After securing their place within the last-eight phases of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, Barcelona will discover out their quarter-final opponent later tonight.
Both Borussia Dortmund or Lille would be the subsequent problem for Hansi Flick’s facet, who’re at the moment in high kind and totally satisfied they’ll elevate the trophy on Could 31 in Munich.
No clear desire among the many gamers
In accordance with SPORT, the Barcelona squad as an entire just isn’t dwelling on whether or not they would slightly face Dortmund or Lille. “It doesn’t matter to us,” they insist.
Flick has efficiently instilled in his gamers the mindset of focusing solely on themselves, blocking out exterior elements. There’s a shared perception among the many squad and training workers: “We will win or lose in opposition to anybody.”
The important thing message is that their method should stay the identical whatever the opponent. Meaning high-intensity urgent, avoiding defensive errors, and treating each recreation with full respect – neither underestimating nor fearing any group.
What concerning the administration?
Barcelona may face Dortmund or Lille within the QFs. (Picture by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Photographs)
On the membership’s administration stage, there is no such thing as a robust desire between Dortmund and Lille, however some imagine the German facet can be the higher opponent for Barça.
The reasoning is straightforward: Dortmund are an enormous title, guaranteeing that the quarter-final wouldn’t be seen as a routine job. The hype round such a matchup would assist keep full focus inside the squad.
If Barcelona had been to face Lille as an alternative, the exterior notion would doubtless be extra optimistic, creating a way that the tie wouldn’t be as troublesome.
This, in flip, may result in a harmful sense of complacency. Dealing with the French membership may also shift all of the strain onto Barça, as Lille would have little to lose and will play with out concern.
From a tactical standpoint, Barcelona imagine that Dortmund’s extra open enjoying type may work of their favour.
Regardless of the German facet’s greater high quality, the Catalans have been thriving in matches with house to take advantage of. In distinction, they’ve struggled extra in opposition to defensively compact groups, reminiscent of Alaves, Leganes, and Getafe.
Following their win over Benfica, there may be nice satisfaction inside the teaching workers. The group executed Flick’s directions completely after half-time and as such, confidence is excessive within the squad that they’ll go the gap.