The Barcelona squad were in full agreement on the team bus as they made their way to train at St James' Park last night
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick during a press conference at St James' Park, Newcastle upon Tyne. Picture date: Wednesday September 17, 2025.
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick(Image: © 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)
Hansi Flick was told by his Barcelona players to expect an incredible atmosphere in the Champions League clash with Newcastle United tonight.
The former Bayern Munich boss chatted with his squad, which includes ex-Premier League stars like Marcus Rashford and Raphinha, on the team bus on the way to St James' Park last night and delivered his verdict before his team went out to train on the hallowed turf.
Speaking before the opening game of this year's bumper 36-team super league format, Flick said: "I’ve never been here but from what I’ve heard from the players, it’s one of the best, maybe the best atmosphere here in the Premier League.
"I expect a really strong team, a tall team with high intensity, dynamic and who win a lot of second balls.
"Vertically they play really good and it won't be an easy game.
"It is a team that has built over the last years. Eddie Howe and his coaching staff have done a fantastic job."
Andreas Christensen of FC Barcelon
Andreas Christensen(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Barca put up former Chelsea centre-back Andreas Christensen to speak to the Press with the 29-year-old Dane also heaping praise on St James' Park.
He said: “Hansi actually just asked me that in the car and I was pretty fast to say it is one of the best, if not the best, especially on a Champions League night.
"From playing here in the Premier League, we have to be very focused.
"The atmosphere will be a big part of the game. Like I said, it is probably one of the best I’ve experienced."
Flick's side arrive on Tyneside without Lamine Yamal but on the back of a 6-0 win over Valencia in La Liga, achieved without the Spanish wonderkid.
Flick said: "Our pre-season was OK, we won every match but we didn't have this quality we normally have" in the early matches in LaLiga
"On Sunday, it was like last season, and this is good for me to see this."
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