After their 1-1 draw in opposition to Getafe over the weekend, Barcelona can be aiming to provide a powerful response when the tackle SL Benfica of their penultimate league-phase fixture of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League.
The Blaugrana are at present second within the Champions League desk and one other victory tomorrow would all however assure their place within the prime eight and direct qualification to the knockout levels.
Talking to the media on the eve of the match, Barcelona supervisor Hansi Flick mentioned the significance of a victory tomorrow in addition to reflecting on the group’s poor run in La Liga.
On tomorrow’s recreation and Benfica
“Our goal is to win tomorrow’s recreation. It will be an enormous step for the standings and to have the ability to end within the prime eight. We’re second now, it will be nice to win all three factors,” began Flick.
Speaking about their tomorrow’s opponents, he added: “Benfica are a group that performs very nicely, Di Maria is one in all my favorite gamers. It’s a pleasure to observe them play.”
There was additional reward for Angel Di Maria, who has recovered from his damage and can be match to play for Benfica tomorrow, as Flick stated:
“He’s a prime participant. He’s at all times at an ideal degree through the years. He’s incredible and it’s nice to see him play.”
Flick is a fan of Angel Di Maria. (Photograph by Gualter Fatia/Getty Photographs)
Concerning Benfica supervisor Bruno Lage tipping Barça as one of many favourites to win the Champions League, Flick remarked:
“The long run will inform if he’s proper or flawed. Clearly, it’s one in all our goals. It is likely one of the most tough competitions to win.
“In the mean time I watch Liverpool and each recreation they play very nicely, they’re doing an ideal job. In the mean time they’re one in all my favorite groups.”
Flick returns to the venue the place he as soon as hammered Barcelona 2-8 whereas in command of Bayern Munich. On being requested about his reminiscences at Estadio da Luz, he stated:
“I’ve superb reminiscences of this stadium, however it’s the previous. We might additionally discuss concerning the closing, the ambiance can be unbelievable. It is going to be essential that we defend nicely.”
On Barcelona’s poor kind in La Liga and possibilities within the UCL
Given the best way Barça have been taking part in within the Champions League in comparison with their latest poor kind within the league, Flick was requested if it was simpler for them to win the European competitors this season. In response, the German stated:
“Successful the Champions League is likely one of the most tough issues on the earth. We’re doing nicely, however so are different groups. We’re alive in all three competitions, now we have to enhance within the league.
“Once I see how we play I’m proud, in opposition to Getafe we did it however they’re a tough group.”
On whether or not Barcelona nonetheless stand an opportunity of profitable La Liga, he replied: “All I can say is that we’ll battle for the title and we’ll see what occurs ultimately within the subsequent few months.”
On the gamers and the group
Flick was stuffed with reward for Pau Cubarsi. (Photograph by Angel Martinez/Getty Photographs)
Hansi Flick additionally had some reward for teenage sensation Pau Cubarsi, who not too long ago accomplished one yr with the primary group and is about to show 18 years outdated quickly.
“He’s at all times at an unbelievable degree. He’s two days away from his 18th birthday, he’s having an ideal season,” stated the supervisor.
The supervisor additionally touched on the goalkeeping state of affairs at Barcelona, with reviews suggesting that Flick will go for Wojciech Szczesny within the UCL and Inaki Pena in La Liga.
“It’s one of many issues we’re discussing. Conditions change. We noticed what Tek [Szczesny] did within the Tremendous Cup. I actually like the best way he exhibits himself on the pitch, however we’ll see tomorrow,” he acknowledged.
The Barcelona head coach additionally praised Szczesny for the best way he has lifted up the ambiance within the dressing room since his arrival, saying:
“I believe he is likely one of the finest signings now we have made. Not solely due to the best way he performs but additionally due to his assist for the gamers. It’s nice to see him and the way he exhibits his expertise to the younger gamers.”
Flick additionally agreed with Barcelona president Joan Laporta’s feedback earlier in the present day when he slammed the referee for not awarding the group a penalty through the Getafe conflict, saying:
“Was it or wasn’t it (laughs)? I don’t know what to say. The identical factor occurs in each recreation. You don’t want the VAR, it’s a transparent penalty. What might I say?”
Supply: Mundo Deportivo