Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has outlined what his team needs to do to beat reigning Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain ahead of their clash at the Parc des Princes.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the German coach explained how he wants his players to approach the game, stressing the importance of confidence, bravery and teamwork.
“I would like my team to play with confidence, be brave and stay together as a team, as we have done in the last eleven matches,” Flick said.
Flick also addressed Barcelona’s high defensive line and the risks involved in playing so far up the pitch.
“It is always a risk to play with a high defensive line, but the key is to see how we react and press when we lose possession, and how we maintain the distances between us. If we do that well, there is tremendous strength in playing with a high line.
“We have only kept one clean sheet, but we have scored a lot of goals.”
The Barcelona coach also highlighted the importance of controlling the midfield, identifying it as a key area in which both teams possess exceptional quality.
“The midfield is important. It is the strongest part of the game, and both teams have fantastic midfielders with tremendous quality.
“When you have possession of the ball, your opponent cannot score. But that is also where you can make mistakes, and PSG’s transition play is one of their strengths. We must avoid mistakes, play bravely and remain fully focused.”
Barcelona arrive in Paris following their victory over Sevilla, but they will be without Eric García and Jules Koundé for the Champions League encounter. Gerard Martín is also a doubt after picking up a knock in the same match.
With several defensive concerns, Flick was asked about his options alongside Pau Cubarsí at centre-back.
“We have several options. Rodri can play there, Frenkie can play there, and Àlex Campos is with us. That is what we have,” he explained.
Rodri has previous experience playing in central defence for Manchester City and Spain, including during the 2022 World Cup. Frenkie de Jong is another alternative, having previously featured in the position under Ronald Koeman and during his time at Ajax.
The Dutch midfielder has recently returned to fitness but is yet to make an appearance this season.
Flick has also included Àlex Campos, one of the centre-backs from Barcelona Atlètic, in the travelling squad.
“He is with us. He trained with us for the first time today,” Flick confirmed.
Campos is a regular starter and one of the captains of Barcelona’s reserve team.
The German coach acknowledged that the situation was far from ideal but insisted that his side would have to adapt.
“I am positive, and I hope everything goes well,” he said, knocking on wood. “But that is the situation. It is not the best moment for us, but we have to accept it.”
Regarding Koundé’s recovery, Flick added: “He will be back soon. Perhaps he could even be an option for the weekend, but we have to wait.”
Barcelona’s other travelling defenders include João Cancelo, Alejandro Balde, Pau Cubarsí, Xavi Espart and Gerard Martín.
Martín’s availability remains uncertain despite medical tests showing no clear signs of an injury. He has been experiencing foot inflammation and pain when putting weight on it since the match against Sevilla. His participation from the start is therefore in doubt, although the club will continue to monitor his condition until the last minute.
Flick was also asked about one of the most controversial incidents of the weekend: Arda Güler’s collision with Sevilla player Peque, which prompted Sevilla to call for the Real Madrid midfielder’s dismissal over what they considered an elbow.
Referee Busquets Ferrer did not punish the incident with a red card, and VAR did not recommend an on-field review. The television broadcast also failed to provide clear images of the incident, despite the presence of 26 cameras at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Flick chose not to get drawn into the controversy, although he acknowledged that he had seen the incident.
“That is not a question for me. You should ask someone else. I saw the situation, but I do not like answering questions about these things,” the Barcelona coach responded.
Flick had similarly avoided commenting on Vinícius Júnior’s dismissal following an incident involving Villarreal defender William Saliba.
The Barcelona manager was also asked about being on the verge of recording his 100th victory as the club’s head coach.
Flick used the opportunity to praise his coaching staff, his players and the atmosphere within the squad.
“When we started here, my staff were very well prepared. We began a great journey, and it is going very well.
“I really appreciate the direction we are taking. We can feel the affection of all the Barça fans, not only because of what we have won, but also because of the way we play and the quality of our players.
“When you win, everyone is happy. I am very proud of the team and what they are doing. The last two weeks have been incredible. The atmosphere is incredible, and they have the best quality a team can have: their attitude. They have to perform at the highest level all the time, and they are doing that.”
Flick also expressed his satisfaction with the team’s daily work and the positive atmosphere surrounding the squad, highlighting the players’ behaviour both on and off the pitch.
“I am delighted with the way we work every day, with what I saw in Sevilla on the pitch, and also with what I saw on the plane and later at the hotel.”
With Barcelona arriving in Paris in strong form but facing several defensive absences, Flick made his priorities clear: play with courage, remain compact, control the midfield and avoid the mistakes that could allow PSG to exploit their dangerous transition game.