LUKÉBAKIO: "AGAINST A TEAM LIKE BARCELONA WE HAVE TO GIVE IT OUR ALL"

Dodi Lukébakio spoke to official club media ahead of tomorrow's away match against FC Barcelona. After returning from international duty, the Belgian attacker said, "Last year was quite difficult for me because I was injured and it was tough season in general for us all. But this season, I've been able to prepare with the team during pre-season and to get to know the coach. We're all feeling good which helps us focus while on the pitch."

With regards to the derby win against Real Betis last time out, "The derby is what everyone was looking forward to most. It was really important for us to get the win, mostly for the fans. It was a great game in which we showed that we're improving and are on the right track. We have to continue like this. Victories like these give you confidence, which is so important, and the fans believe in you too, That's why it was so important that we won, to show proof that we're a team that is working hard and getting better."

He was also asked about his relationship with Chidera Ejuke, having played with him in the past. "Ejuke is doing great and I'm very happy for him. He's becoming a very important player so hopefully he continues playing the way he's playing. We played together in Berlin for Hertha BSC and it's great to be reunited here. We try to support each other, always giving our all on the pitch. We need to work hard to get as many goals as possible and help the team move up the league table." Lukébakio then discussed his versatility as a football player, stating, "I feel like I'm very good at adapting to situations on the pitch; I can play in multiple positions. My best position is probably right-winger, but I can also play as a striker, on the left, as a number 10, wherever I'm required basically! It's important that the coach knows this about his players so that tactics can be changed for different opponents, should it be required.

"It's important that the coach knows that I'm comfortable playing in different positions"

Finally, the Belgian spoke about Sunday's game against FC Barcelona. "I don't understand why everyone says that it will be harder than any other match. No game is easy and we are well aware of the quality that they have, but we will do our best to win just like we do with any other game. This is why we work every day. We know that they're full of confidence and in good form, but we have to play like we did against Real Betis. We have to give it our all."