Hansi Flick makes Barcelona future clear, reveals two remaining goals
Barça coach Flick speaks after Champions League exit, reflects on painful setback and outlines mindset as title race enters decisive stretch.
Hansi Flick faced the media ahead of Barcelona’s upcoming LaLiga match against Celta Vigo at Spotify Camp Nou on Wednesday, offering a candid assessment of his team’s mindset following their Champions League exit and outlining what comes next.
“Every game against them is a battle”
Flick made it clear Barça are expecting a tough test against Celta.
“Whenever we review their matches against us... they prove to be incredibly difficult opponents who adapt well,” he said. “We have to play our best game. It won’t be easy because they are consistently well-drilled. They have players who can dictate the tempo and break forward with intent. We simply have to impose our own game.”
Champions League exit still stings
The German coach did not shy away from the emotional impact of the team’s European elimination.
“For me, every season is a journey. In the end, A defeat like that can happen,” Flick said. “We have a young squad, and it was genuinely damaging and incredibly painful.”
Still, he believes the setback can serve as fuel.
“We must finish the season as strongly as possible and look toward the future. It has to motivate us to improve the fine margins. We’ve been doing a lot of things well and gave everything in recent matches.”
LaLiga remains the priority
With Europe no longer in play, Flick emphasized that the title race is far from over.
“Now we want to win LaLiga, but it’s not done yet. We have the advantage, but it remains a fierce competition,” he said. “We want to play our best football for the club, like we did against Atlético, and give everything for the fans.”
“Everyone is proud of this team. Elimination hurts, but it gives us more energy to push on.”
“Winning the Champions League is a dream”
Flick admitted lifting the Champions League remains one of his biggest ambitions at Barcelona.
“That is a massive dream of mine. There are two things I truly want: one, of course, is to lift the Champions League,” he said. “I believe we can do it. We have a great team for the coming years.”
He also revealed a more personal goal.
“My second wish is to be the coach in this stadium when it’s fully completed. I don’t know the exact timeline, but it depends on performance and how we play.”
Contract plans and long-term future
Flick confirmed he intends to stay, while making clear now is not the time for negotiations.
“That is certainly the plan. To be 100% honest, this will be the final chapter of my career, and I feel very settled here,” he said. “I would like to renew my contract, but now is not the time for those discussions with such important weeks ahead.”
Learning how to win the biggest games
Asked what Barcelona still lack to conquer Europe, Flick pointed to fine margins and leadership on the field.
“In these games, momentum and fine details are everything,” he explained. “At this stage of the season, it’s important to have all your players available. That’s not an excuse, just a reality.”
He also highlighted the need for stronger on-field direction.
“We need players who can take charge in those high-pressure moments. I see it in training, but we need that same authority in a quarterfinal or semifinal. This is a young team that will grow. We will teach them how to lead.”
Transfer talks already underway
Flick confirmed he is in regular contact with sporting director Deco about future planning.
“We talk every day when he’s around, or on the phone. We’re already looking ahead to next season,” he said.
However, he declined to go into specifics, including whether the club will target a traditional No. 9.
“We have some clear ideas, but this is not the moment to talk about it.”
Managing young talent
On Roony Bardghji’s situation, Flick praised the youngster’s professionalism while acknowledging his frustration over limited minutes.
“He’s the ultimate professional. It’s not easy for him because he’s performing well and naturally wants more minutes,” Flick said. “But sometimes it’s like this. We have Lamine in that position, and he needs to play.”
“I’ve spoken with him and explained his situation. He’s training with some of the best players in the world and has improved significantly. We’ll sit down at the end of the season.”
“It’s not just about trophies”
Despite the disappointment in Europe, Flick believes Barcelona’s season should be judged on more than silverware.
“I’ll leave that for you to decide,” he said when asked if winning LaLiga and the Spanish Super Cup would make it a good year. “Nobody expected us to be competing for four titles at this stage.”
“It isn’t just about the silverware, but the way we play. I believe we’re doing well. The fans, the club, and the players are all happy. When I arrived, the president told me that winning isn’t enough, the style matters too.”
Focus stays on the title race
Flick brushed aside distractions, including debates over traditions like the guard of honor, keeping his focus firmly on the task at hand.
“The next game is the priority,” he said. “It will be a fight until the end. I know Real Madrid won’t give up.”
“Things like guards of honor don’t concern me. We want to win LaLiga, but the job isn’t finished yet”
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