FC Barcelona coach Hansi Flick sent the club’s fans and players a warning that they are not yet … More
FC Barcelona coach Hansi Flick sent the club’s fans and players a warning that they are not yet qualified for the Champions League semifinals despite thrashing Borussia Dortmund 4-0 in the last eight first leg on Wednesday.
It could be said that Barca has one foot in the next round of the competition – the semifinals – for the first time since 2019, thanks to its comfortable margin achieved by goals from Robert Lewandowski, who bagged a brace and the MVP award, as well as Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
Speaking to Spanish broadcaster Movistar post match, however, Flick refused to make such assumptions and said: “No, no, no, no, no. We are not yet qualified. You never know what’s going to happen, football is a crazy sport.”
The second leg will of course be contested in Dortmund next Tuesday, where Flick says Barca has “to play like today, without making mistakes”.
“We played very well, and when you play like that you score goals – which is what has happened,” he pointed out.
While Flick’s high-scoring front line is deservedly earning plaudits, Flick preferred to see praise for the rest of the team as well.
“They are important, but so is our defense and those who come on from the bench, who immediately influence and reach the same level as those on the field,” he stressed.
One of Flick’s substitutes was Ansu Fati, who entered the fray to a standing ovation to replace Lamine late in the second half.
While Flick has been critical of the number 10’s lack of application and effort in training, he hinted that things have been different as of late.
“It was good that Ansu Fati could play. He is training very well and deserved to play,” Flick stated.
Flick said “it was good to give him a rest” regarding Lamine, who should arguably have been benched for Saturday’s disappointing 1-1 draw with Real Betis in order to be fresher for the Champions League.
It now remains to be seen what Flick does this weekend when Barca travels to Leganes. Some believe he should rotate with one eye on the second leg in Dortmund, while others believe that it is in Germany that the manager should give other players a run out to focus on the league.
