Barcelona will be eager to further solidify their position in the top-eight of the UEFA Champions League table when they face Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park tomorrow night.
Currently third in the standings, the Blaugrana are in a very good position to make it through to the Round of 16 directly without having to enter into the playoffs.
However, their recent form has been somewhat dodgy, as seen by the fact that they have just collected five points from their previous five La Liga encounters.
As such, it will not be straightforward for Barcelona when they take on Nuri Sahin’s men in a daunting atmosphere at Signal Iduna Park.
On playing at Signal Iduna Park
Touching on what his team can expect at the stadium tomorrow, Barça manager Hansi Flick said:
“We are going to play in a fantastic and very complicated stadium, with an incredible atmosphere. It’s wonderful. The fans push a lot. It’s something we have to take advantage of as it gives us extra motivation.”
Citing the team’s victories against other big clubs like Bayern Munich and Real Madrid this season, away from home, Flick said Barcelona can take advantage of the situation.
“Against Bayern, Madrid, it’s something we’ve seen. We have shown the quality we have. It’s normal that we fail in some parts of the season, but I trust my team blindly. They give absolutely everything,” he said.
Flick returns to Signal Iduna Park. (Photo by Federico Gambarini/Pool via Getty Images)
“Maybe we haven’t been able to be at 100% because of injuries. We want to bring out our full potential. We face Atletico in a few days and we have a few days rest.”
Having spent the majority of his coaching career in Germany and now in charge of a club in Spain, Flick was asked about the differences in football in the two countries, to which he replied:
“I don’t think it’s something I can compare. Everyone has their own idea. From a technical point of view, there is a difference.
“The atmosphere is wonderful in the stadiums in Germany. As a coach, the emotion and passion is wonderful, and that’s something you also see in Spain.”
On the team’s form
As mentioned earlier, Barcelona have not been in the best form of late and go into tomorrow’s game on the back of a 2-2 draw vs Real Betis. Discussing what is certainly a delicate moment in the season for his side, Flick said:
“Sometimes we have more of a slump, but in the end it all depends on how the season ends. We are convinced. We have to play the way we want to play and that’s how we will continue to improve. We are very clear about that.
“We are a very young team and that’s normal. We have lost two points that have hurt us a lot but we have to learn from our mistakes. We’re very united and we’re playing for three very important points.”
Discussing the team’s high-pressing style and whether it poses a greater challenge mentally or physically, he remarked:
“It’s a little bit of everything, It has to do with the context. As a team, you have a philosophy and it’s important that everyone participates in it. There is a lot of intensity in our games.”
On whether tomorrow’s game against Dortmund would be a good parameter to judge where Barcelona stand in Europe, he said:
“We have played a lot of games where we showed our worth. Bayern, Madrid…we have shown we are ready to face big challenges and big games.
“It’s going to be a complicated game but we can overcome it. This is another level and it motivates us a bit more. We want to take a step forward.”
On individual players
Ronald Araujo is back. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)
Ronald Araujo is back in the squad for the first time this season after being out injured since July. On whether the defender is ready to play tomorrow, Flick said:
“We’ll see tomorrow if he plays. It’s a joy that he’s back. He has a lot of strength and motivates his teammates a lot. Also the coach. I like his winning attitude. The plan is for him to play, but I can’t say how much yet.”
The manager then spoke highly of Frenkie de Jong, who was earlier praised by Borussia Dortmund head coach Nuri Sahin.
“I don’t know if he is underrated in the press. For me, he is a very important player. That’s my opinion. I can’t control the outside world. But I can say that he is a professional from head to toe and he always gives his all,” said Flick.
Talking about Robert Lewandowski and the Catalans’ dependence on him for goals, Flick remarked:
“Both. We need Robert but he also needs the team. No one can win alone. They both benefit from this relationship. He has a lot of quality but so does the team. It’s very important.”
On whether the veteran striker will continue at the club for one more year, he said: “Football is completely unpredictable. But he is great now. We have to look after him and keep him training. He is playing a lot and at a very good level. He helps the team a lot.”
Talking about Lamine Yamal and whether tomorrow’s game is a chance for the teenager to showcase his brilliance at a special stadium, Flick said:
“Lamine can play and give his all in every game. He is an unrivalled talent. He got injured and had to recover. It took him time. But he has shown that he is decisive. We have full confidence in him.”
Source: AS