Flick and Barcelona, going for everything in the Champions: "We don't want it to be the end"

Hansi Flick, in his role as coach of FC Barcelona, attended the press conference prior to the match against Borussia Dortmund, corresponding to the first leg of the UEFA Champions League 2024-25 quarter-finals. Among the topics discussed, the German coach referred to the moment that Raphinha is going through.

The left winger has not shone since the international break in March and was not a starter in the matches against CA Osasuna (3-0) and Girona (4-1) due to rest. In the following matches, against Atlético de Madrid (0-1) and Real Betis (1-1), he also failed to stand out in his scoring or assisting role, which has generated concern among a small part of the culé fanbase.

However, the German coach does not share that concern. "After the break, we have given him a little time to recover, but in training, he is fantastic. He is very dynamic and is ready for tomorrow's match," asserted Flick with determination.

Improving efficiency and living in the present

The Heidelberg native also discussed the need to better capitalize on goal opportunities if Barcelona wants to advance in the competition. "In the Champions, playing at home is better because we perform better. We would like to be able to seal it already. We saw that against Atlético. It is a good moment for us. We have improved a lot in many situations and found the right answers. We are very prepared for tomorrow's match," he warned.

"It is a good moment for us. We have improved a lot in many situations and found the right answers"

At the same time, Flick avoided referring to the team's good streak and focused on daily work. "I am not interested in statistics, nor the past. What matters is tomorrow. We are all delighted to play in the Champions. It is a challenge for us to play in Europe and we want to be there," he pointed out.

Team mentality and calendar management

The German coach did not hesitate to insist that what is important is the day-to-day and maintaining concentration. "It is important to focus on current things and we have to think about each match. We need to consider the fatigue of the players, that is important, or if we need to change positions. I am happy because right now we have many players who can cover several positions. We have this calendar, but it will not make us suffer. Our goal is to win each of the matches. We can handle it. We are very proud," he revealed.

"I am happy because right now we have many players who can cover several positions. We have this calendar, but it will not make us suffer"

Respect for Borussia Dortmund and Niko Kovač

Regarding the opponent, Hansi Flick indicated that he expects a completely different version than the one they faced in the league phase, where the azulgrana team won 2-3 in matchday six: "Their confidence has changed a bit. The results they have had in the Champions and the Bundesliga have given them confidence. They have more concrete objectives. They are a team with great pace, they think in a very offensive way, and we will have to be up to the task."

Additionally, the culé coach took time to mention the defensive absences that Borussia Dortmund will present, but he trusts in their competitiveness. "They are a very good team. Niko will be able to field a good lineup. They are strong defensively and I wish all the best to the injured players. They have very good players, and it is a shame, but they have enough players to cover their absences," he added.

"They have very good players, and it is a shame, but they have enough players to cover their absences"

In addition, Hansi Flick dedicated words to his colleague, Niko Kovač, whom he admitted to knowing well. "It is good that I know Niko and he can help us. Our job is to prepare ourselves. Niko is a fantastic coach, a wonderful person, and I look forward to reuniting with him," he stated.

"Niko is a fantastic coach, a wonderful person, and I look forward to reuniting with him"

Focused on winning, without thinking about favoritism

Finally, Flick avoided discussing Barcelona's favoritism in this matchup but reaffirmed the team's commitment. "I have said it several times. We have to give our all in the match. We have worked hard in preparation and we don't want it to be the end. We need to play well tomorrow. We have not lost matches, and that is important, but we need to have the best possible performance," he concluded.