Hansi Flick, Barcelona manager
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
Hansi Flick has made no secret of Barcelona’s ambitions in the Champions League, insisting his squad has the quality to compete for the trophy but must prove it on the pitch.
The Barcelona manager addressed the media ahead of his team’s Champions League opener against Feyenoord, with the European competition occupying a prominent place in the club’s thinking.
Barcelona have assembled a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts, but Flick knows that having quality is only the starting point.
“At the end of the day, all the big clubs dream of winning it.
“It’s the biggest competition and we have the quality to win it, but we have to prove it. And we want to do just that,” said the manager.
Flick demands unity from Barcelona squad
The Barcelona manager believes the team’s togetherness could prove just as important as its individual talent.
Hansi Flick, Barcelona manager
Hansi Flick has asked for togetherness from his players. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Flick pointed towards the experience within his squad but stressed that experienced players alone cannot deliver Champions League success.
“There are plenty of experienced players. What matters is the team. We all have to give our all, every single day.”
When asked whether Barcelona are genuinely capable of winning the Champions League this season, Flick highlighted the intensity and desire he has seen from his players.
“I can see a lot of intensity and a real desire to play football. There’s also a lot of communication within the team.
“They’re on the same page and work really hard on the pitch, and that’s what matters most. Everyone’s ready to win it, and that’s a very good thing.”
Flick also placed particular emphasis on players helping each other during matches.
“At the moment it seems that everything is going well, but whilst I see a lot of quality and intensity, I also see that the team is sticking to a plan and communicating well.
“We need to stick together on the pitch to fight better and help one another. Everyone is there for that, and I’m seeing it.”
Lamine Yamal, Gordon and dressing-room management
Flick was also questioned about the challenge of managing a squad in which not every player can be guaranteed regular minutes.
The Barcelona boss accepted that maintaining harmony can be difficult when some members of the squad are unhappy with their playing time.
Raphina and Lamine Yamal, Barcelona players
Flick has nothing but praise for Lamine Yamal. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
“Yes. It’s not easy, but it’s part of our job. I’m responsible for assessing the team and making decisions. We analyse everything and decide based on the team and the opposition.
“I try to speak to the players who aren’t playing, but we have to keep going and spur the other players on.”
One player who appears central to Barcelona’s attacking plans is Lamine Yamal.
The teenager has already developed into one of the team’s most influential players, and Flick was asked what it is like dealing with his personality on a daily basis.
“Lamine is a player who can win matches. He’s a fantastic player and is very talented; he wants to improve every day.
“For me, the best thing is that he enjoys playing football every day.”
Flick was also asked about Anthony Gordon’s remarkable start to the season.
After producing five assists in 45 matches last campaign, the forward has already registered four assists in his first four appearances this term.
“A striker like him wants to score goals. But providing the final pass for a goal is also very important.
“He’s doing well in both attack and defence. It’s a very good situation for him and for us.”
Bisiwu and de Jong updates as Ballon d’Or question emerges
Flick also provided clarity over Jesse Bisiwu’s immediate future in the senior setup.
The recently registered Barcelona youngster will not be involved against Feyenoord, but Flick confirmed that the teenager will continue training with the senior squad while also playing for Barça B.
Frenkie de Jong, Barcelona player
Hansi Flick has provided an update on Frenkie de Jong. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
“He won’t be in the squad tomorrow, but he’s fine. He will train with us and play for Barça B.
“He has a lot of potential in attack and defence. He has a chance of playing for us in the future.”
There was also an update on Frenkie de Jong, who is working his way back after injury.
“He’s a very talented player. After his injury, he needs to come back and train hard, which is what he’s doing.
“We will see him in a few weeks, and we’ll see what happens after the international break – it’s important to take it one day at a time.”
The final topic was the Ballon d’Or and whether Barcelona have a player capable of winning the individual prize.
Flick refused to make the decision himself, instead pointing towards the quality within his squad.
“That’s not my job. We’ve got some fantastic players, and if any of them wins the Ballon d’Or, I’ll be happy for them.
“I can see a few players in the squad who, based on their day-to-day work, could win it. However, that’s not my job,” he concluded.
Mikael Baza, Barcelona player
Mikael Baza, Barcelona player