Barcelona’s head coach Hansi Flick noted that being part of the team and the city’s atmosphere have noticeably affected his emotional state. According to the coach, he has started to smile more often and show more emotion than before. However, Flick admitted that some of his gestures on the field, caught on camera, make him feel regret. He is especially concerned that such moments might be seen by his loved ones, particularly his grandson. The coach emphasized that he intends to work on his behavior during matches.
Ahead of the match against Olympiacos, Flick expressed hope for a quick return of two key players—Raphinha and Ferran Torres. He stated that their participation in the upcoming Clásico is extremely important for the team. The medical staff is closely monitoring the players’ condition to minimize risks and prevent injury relapses. A decision on their involvement will be made after further examinations.
Assessing their Champions League opponent, the Catalans’ coach highlighted Olympiacos’s strong attacking qualities. He noted the Greek team’s statistics and emphasized that Barcelona players need to stay fully focused and avoid defensive mistakes. Flick pointed out that his squad must pay close attention to their positioning on the field to prevent giving the opponent space to maneuver.
Commenting on the current situation, the coach admitted that the team is still facing certain challenges. Despite the recent victory over Girona, Flick believes there is still work to be done in several areas, especially in defense. He noted that correct player positioning and reducing the distance between the lines are key to playing successfully against strong opponents.
As for Ferran Torres, the coach stated that his participation in the upcoming matches will depend on the results of medical tests. Flick emphasized that the players’ health is a top priority for the club, and no one intends to take risks with their condition. The same applies to Raphinha, whom the coach considers to be one of last season’s most important players.
Regarding the changes in offside rules and Arsène Wenger’s initiative, Flick expressed respect for the specialist but did not go into detail about the possible innovations, noting that time will tell how effective they are.
The coach also shared that he no longer feels the same pre-match anxiety as he did during his time at Bayern. According to him, working at Barcelona has changed his approach to emotions and allowed him to see the profession from a new perspective. Flick stressed that he is fully committed to the club and the city in which he lives.
Flick paid particular attention to the young players, especially Marc Bernal. According to the coach, the young footballer still needs to gain experience to reach the level required for participation in key matches. The coach emphasized that the club will support his development and look for suitable opportunities for him to get on the field.
In conclusion, Flick commented on possible changes to the squad, including the options of using Rooney and Rashford in different positions. He noted the players’ versatility and stressed that the team is seeking the best possible balance to achieve maximum results.
