Newcastle host Barcelona at St James' Park in the Champions League on Tuesday evening
Hansi Flick during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Athletic Club and FC Barcelona.
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick is said to have made a plan for his Barcelona team to face Newcastle United. (Image: Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has sent his squad a ‘clear plan’ ahead of the midweek Champions League clash against Newcastle United.
The Magpies host the Spanish giants in the first leg of the round of 16 tie at St James’ Park on Tuesday night (8pm kick-off). Newcastle will be looking to take an advantage into the second leg at the Nou Camp just over a week later.
According to AS, Flick has already sent his squad ‘clear instructions’ on how to cope with what is expected to be a raucous atmosphere. The Barcelona boss is reported to have prepared his squad for a fast start from Newcastle.
One of the criticisms of Flick’s team this season is their slow starts in games, something that Eddie Howe’s side will look to take advantage of.
Flick is also said to be emphasising the importance of keeping their concentration during the game. He is said to want his side to learn from the mistakes that they made in the first leg defeat against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey, as well as last season’s Champions League semi-final defeat against Inter.
It’s also suggested that Barca could have been preparing for the game against Newcastle, even during their 1-0 away win over Athletic Club on Saturday.
Lamine Yamal celebrates victory following the LaLiga EA Sports match between Athletic Club and FC Barcelona.
Barcelona came out as 1-0 winners over Athletic Club on Saturday. (Image: Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Flick made several changes to his starting XI for the game, but his team were also spotted defending more deeply than usual in the closing stages of the match.
Star man Lamine Yamal was said to be “repeatedly telling Raphinha and (Robert) Lewandowski not to press but to hold their positions.” It could potentially hint at a game plan against Newcastle.
Speaking after the match, Fermin Lopez admitted: “We also know we will face a similar match to the one here, in a very difficult stadium against a very physical opponent.”
It’s not the first time that Newcastle and Barcelona have met at St James’ Park in the Champions League this season. Back in September, a brace from Marcus Rashford saw the Catalan side come out as 2-1 winners, something that Newcastle will be looking for revenge for this time around.