Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick took part in a St James’ Park press conference ahead of their Champions League clash Newcastle United on Thursday.
The German discussed the absence of 18-year-old superstar Lamine Yamal, who will sit this one out along with midfielder Gavi, but also the prospect of facing Eddie Howe’s “strong” and “intense” Newcastle side away from home.
It’s Flick’s first time on Tyneside, and his Barcelona players have clearly warned him about the St James’ Park atmosphere, calling it the “best in the Premier League” and a “big part” of the game.
Speaking to the media, Flick discussed this, the physical test that awaits and praised the team Howe and staff have built over the last few years at Newcastle:
> _“I have never been here. My players tell me it is maybe the best atmosphere in the Premier League._
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> _“I expect a strong, tall team with high intensity._
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> _“It’s a team built over many years and Eddie Howe and his coaching staff have done a fantastic job.”_
Barca centre-back Andreas Christensen is one of those players who admire United’s atmosphere, after playing here multiple times during his stint at Chelsea.
He also spoke at the press conference, revealing that he told Flick during the car journey to St James’ Park what a big atmosphere they can expect come 8pm tonight:
> _“Hansi (Flick) 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._
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> _“From playing here in the Premier League, we have to be very focused. (The atmosphere) will be a very big part of the game.”_
Barcelona seem to believe Newcastle’s drowning atmosphere may be crucial to how the game plays out, while Eddie Howe’s Mags will be playing to the crowd for that extra boost of energy needed for a giant killing.