Barcelona’s head coach, Hansi Flick, eagerly anticipates the upcoming Champions League clash against his former team, Bayern Munich, marking what he describes as a “special” moment in his managerial career. Flick, who is 59 years old, acknowledges the significance of facing Bayern, where he enjoyed immense success, including a treble-winning campaign that culminated in the 2020 Champions League triumph. However, he insists that he is fully settled at Barcelona, a club where he feels at home after a stellar start to the season.
Under Flick’s guidance, Barcelona has made an exceptional run in La Liga, topping the table with nine wins in their first 10 matches. Despite a stumble in their European journey with an opening loss to Monaco, the Catalan giants responded emphatically with a 5-0 thrashing of Young Boys. Flick now sees the encounter with Bayern as a pivotal moment for his squad, a chance to send a powerful message before they head to the capital to face archrivals Real Madrid in the highly anticipated El Clasico.
Addressing the media ahead of the clash, Flick reflected on his time at Bayern Munich, expressing deep fondness for the club. “Bayern is an important part of my life,” he said. “I have strong connections with many players and staff there, and it was a period filled with great memories. But now, I’m entirely focused on this new chapter with Barcelona, and I’m thrilled to be part of this journey.”
Flick emphasized the welcoming atmosphere he’s experienced at Barcelona, crediting the passionate fanbase for motivating the team to give their utmost in every game. “The energy from the fans drives us to push ourselves to the limit. We’re working hard to ensure we’re ready for what will be a difficult match against Bayern. I know the club well, but they’re a formidable opponent, and we’ll have to be at our best,” he added.
The German coach was also quick to deflect questions about Bayern’s infamous 8-2 demolition of Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals in 2020—a match Flick himself oversaw. He downplayed the significance of that result, urging his players to remain focused on the present. “What happened in the past is irrelevant now. We can’t change that, but what we can influence is what happens tomorrow. I want my players to give everything they have and be fully prepared to take on Bayern,” he stated firmly.
Flick stressed the importance of constant improvement, acknowledging that Barcelona has room for growth, particularly as they aim to minimize mistakes and maintain pressure on their opponents. “We’re not always performing at 100%, and that’s something we’re working on. Against a team like Bayern, we need to be sharp, and it’s crucial that we avoid unnecessary errors. The fans can trust that we will give everything to secure the result,” Flick concluded, his eyes firmly set on the upcoming challenge.
This match carries not only personal significance for Flick but also serves as a key test for his Barcelona side as they navigate their European campaign and prepare for one of the biggest domestic fixtures of the season.
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