Flick 'overlooks' the history between Barça and Bayern: "The past is not worth it. Here is worth it"

Hansi Flick appeared at the press conference prior to the match between FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich, valid for matchday three of the UEFA Champions League 2024-25, which will take place at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Montjuïc at 9:00 PM this Wednesday, October 23rd. In his speech, the German coach began by dispelling any controversy regarding the alleged lack of commitment from Frenkie de Jong, a matter that many sectors argued might have been one of the reasons why the Dutchman was dropped from the starting eleven for the match against Sevilla and ultimately did not get any playing time:

"Our plan was for him to start against Sevilla, but he was feeling discomfort. Except for Eric, everyone is ready, and I am delighted to have so many players available," he warned.

In that vein, and in terms of players, Hansi Flick took the opportunity to highly praise the playing level of Marc Casadó, one of the Culés' players who will likely be under the spotlight for this match, as it is the first match where he faces an opponent that can be perfectly classified as 'top'. "He has made enormous progress in recent months. He improves in every game, doesn't need much motivation, it comes with him. He always wants to know what he can improve. He is doing very well," he asserted.

The match against Bayern Munich

Speaking about the team, Hansi Flick dismissed any idea that the two high-level matches that Barcelona will have soon, namely against Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, will be decisive in measuring the team's true level, which, by the way, is currently in a notably good form. "No, matches can unfold in different ways. Many things can happen, and the match can evolve in a way we do not expect. We are only thinking about Bayern now, but every match is important," he commented.

"It has helped us a lot to take it step by step, not to think about the next match. Bayern is a team that plays very well, believes in themselves, and has excellent players. We want to measure ourselves against the best, and Bayern is extraordinary," he confessed.

In this regard, Hansi Flick was asked if, thanks to his presence, Barcelona could begin to change this unfortunate record they have against Bayern Munich, a matter on which the Heidelberg native did not want to delve too deeply, although he did express that the Culé club will do everything in its power to secure the three points in this match. "The past doesn't matter. It's about the present and the future. We can't change what happened in the past, but we can in what is yet to come. And of course, we want to try to beat Bayern," he emphasized.

Furthermore, Hansi Flick dismissed any notions about his knowledge of Bayern Munich, indicating that this factor will not be decisive in steering the match, as he has left his time as the Munich team's coach behind and is 100% focused on his adventure as the Culé's coach. "We prepare for each match knowing the opponent well. Obviously, Bayern holds a special place in my life, and I have many acquaintances and relationships there. It was a wonderful time, it's a memory. But there is a new chapter in my life," he emphasized.

"I am happy and have very good feelings because I feel that the fans support us with a lot of passion. And that obliges us to give our best. I may know Bayern a little better, but it's the Champions League, and it will be very tough," he added.

However, based on the studies conducted by the German coach, he offered a small perspective on what he believes the German team will put on the field against Barcelona. "Bayern plays dominantly, and they also do this year. The way they play, putting a lot of pressure, with possession and courage, imposing their style with their quality. It has always been like that: it's their DNA," he pointed out.

Memories of the 2-8 in Lisbon

Regarding another topic, the German coach was questioned if the fans of the Blaugrana team usually remind him of that fateful 2-8 from the 2019-20 season, which marked Barcelona's elimination in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League. "I've said it before: every day I feel the affection of the people. It has nothing to do with the past and neither with promises of the future. I don't think we can dwell on that; we work every day in the present," he clarified.

"The team, all the players have a unity; La Masia influences a lot in how the players work together with respect and dedication. Everyone cares for each other. And if I think about the match against Sevilla, what happened between Gavi and Pedri gives you goosebumps. That says it all about this team. I don't know if we will win all the matches, but I can assure you that we will give our all," he stated.

To conclude his brief appearance in this press conference, Hansi Flick commented a bit on how he is experiencing his first months as the coach of Barcelona, offering positive perspectives on the matter. "I'm very comfortable, I love the passion of the fans. We have very good feelings: it's a great club; every day is fun to work here and the people from the club and the fans support me. It's an obligation for me to give my best and that's what all the staff is doing so that the players show all their potential, and that's what we are seeing," he concluded.