SAMBI: "BARCELONA ARE ONE OF THE BEST TEAMS IN THE WORLD, BUT THIS IS FOOTBALL AND WE'RE GEARING OURSELVES UP FOR VICTORY"

Sambi Lokonga faced the media on Wednesday, looking ahead to this weekend's visit from FC Barcelona.

The Belgian began by stressing that "we're doing very well, we've drawn two games in a row but we have to continue in good form. This is football, and we want to win. We came close last time out, and now we have to focus on this next game. Barcelona are one of the best teams in the world right now along with Real Madrid, Liverpool, Arsenal.... It's going to be very difficult but it's football and we have to be ready to win.

"I'm feeling very good. I'm growing a lot here and I'm feeling better and better in every game. I feel very happy at this club and I would like to stay, although it's not just my decision. We have a very difficult game coming up, but like everyone else we are preparing to win. We're going to give everything and that's how we're preparing." He pointed to his midfield partner for helping him excel in his role: "I have a good relationship with [Djibril] Sow. We're pretty similar and we both speak the same language, so it's easier to connect," he continued.

"We have big potential and every day we have to keep pushing to reach that level"

The midfielder also commented on his injury record, insisting "it's in the past. Now I just want to play and make a difference on the pitch. We mustn't talk about Europe for the moment, but concentrate on each game. We have big potential and every day we have to keep pushing to reach that level."

"We have big potential and every day we have to keep pushing to reach that level"

On the influence of Xavi García Pimienta, he praised the head coach's insightfulness: "The coach has been very important for me. You can see that with many players: Isaac, Dodi [Lukebakio].... The most important thing for us is to have the confidence of the coach. Now I have to give him that back on the pitch."

He finished with a few more words about his fellow countryman: "Dodi has the potential to be among the best players in Europe. He's doing very well right now and we have to keep giving him space so that he can continue to flourish."