Hansi Flick recognize his good relationship with Lamine Yamal in FC Barcelona
The german head coach spoke before the match against Copenhague in Champions League.
In the press room of the Spotify Camp Nou, Hansi Flick cut a figure of composed determination. Ahead of FC Barcelona’s crucial Champions League encounter with Copenhagen, the German manager bypassed the usual media euphoria. Instead, he delivered a masterclass in prudence, emphasizing internal confidence and a collective vision over grandiloquent promises. In the high-stakes environment of 2026, Flick knows that every point in this expanded league phase is a step toward continental survival.
The "No Easy Games" Mantra
Flick was explicit in his warning: Copenhagen is not a mere formality. He insisted on a respectful attitude toward the Danish side, framing the match as a maximum-level competitive challenge. For Barcelona, the immediate goal is crystal clear: secure a victory to stay in the hunt for the Top 8. Under the new format, finishing in the upper echelon of the league phase is vital to avoid a grueling playoff round.
"We must do what must be done," Flick noted, signaling that a professional, efficient performance is worth more than a flashy but risky display.
Mental Fortitude Over Injury Drama
The absences of Pedri and Frenkie de Jong have been the talk of Barcelona this week, but Flick refused to let the narrative turn into a tragedy. He praised his squad’s depth, asserting that the team’s strength lies in its unity rather than individual stars.
"The Champions League is the time to give a superior response in intensity and execution," Flick stated. He has challenged his locker room to focus solely on what they can control, demanding an "extra gear" from those stepping into the starting XI.
The Return of the "Shark" and Defensive Priority
One of the bright spots in the squad is the recovery of Ferran Torres. Flick confirmed that the forward is fit and ready, expressing satisfaction with how quickly he overcame his recent physical setbacks. Ferran’s return provides a tactical versatility that Flick intends to exploit.
Interestingly, the German coach moved to dampen any "scoring anxiety." While fans often demand high-scoring thrashings, Flick’s priority is different: The Clean Sheet.
"Defense wins championships. Our priority is a zero on the scoreboard before we think about sentencing the match," he explained.
The Fermín Factor and La Masia’s Symbolism
Flick took a moment to celebrate the institutional victory of Fermín López’s contract renewal. He described the midfielder as a "vital tool" due to his competitive mentality and tactical flexibility. Beyond the technical aspect, Flick highlighted the symbolism of Fermín’s journey—a La Masia graduate becoming a cornerstone of the first team—as the ultimate blueprint for the club’s identity.
A New Era of Competition
Flick did not hide his enthusiasm for the new Champions League format, noting that it creates unique opportunities for teams with Barcelona’s tactical "bravery." He reminded the press that every player, whether they start or finish the match, will be decisive in this long European journey.
Regarding Andreas Christensen, Flick expressed deep regret over the defender’s poorly-timed injury. He praised the Dane's high performance prior to the setback and voiced his confidence that Christensen would return to help seal a successful end to the season.
FC Barcelona enters this European night with a clear directive: compete at the maximum level without losing the sense of the collective. Under Hansi Flick, the "Blaugrana" have replaced chaos with caution and anxiety with an unwavering trust in the system.
