Stand: December 11, 2024, 6:10 a.m
Von: Adrian Kühnel
PressSplit
Hansi Flick recently suffered some setbacks with FC Barcelona. Nevertheless, Barça’s coach sees no fundamental problem – and remains “absolutely convinced”.
Dortmund – FC Barcelona will face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday (9 p.m.). And Barça is confident. In games against Real Madrid (4:0) or FC Bayern (4:1), the Catalans “showed what qualities we have,” said Hansi Flick. It is “normal” that you made a few mistakes recently. Because: “We are a young team, it is clear that we cannot be at 100 percent in every game.”
Flick only won one of the last five games in the league
In the Spanish league, the lead over pursuers Real Madrid has almost evaporated. Leaders Barça are only two points ahead of Los Blancos, although the Madrilenians still have a game in hand. Flick and his team made a few slip-ups recently; FC Barcelona only won one of the last five games in the league, otherwise there were two draws and two defeats.
Significant: In the 2-2 draw against Celta Vigo, Barça conceded the goals in minutes 84 and 86, against Betis the goal came in the 94th minute to make the score 2-2; Flick was shown a red card in Seville in the 67th minute for excessive complaining. FC Barcelona only lost the points in two of the last four league games shortly before the final whistle. Are Barça’s professionals running out of breath in the final minutes? That shouldn’t be the case because Flick places great importance on fitness.
Flick “absolutely convinced” of his team despite the setbacks
“We are working much harder than before,” said midfielder Pedri in an interview with the in September Sports World. “The team no longer drops off after the 70th or 80th minute, they manage to maintain their fitness level.” Pedri praised the entire coaching staff, who had brought the players into very good physical condition. The training under Flick consists of “many physically demanding exercises”.
The coming weeks will show whether the recent setbacks were just blips. In the Champions League, Flick and his team are on track, where FC Barcelona won four out of five games with one defeat. “I am absolutely convinced of this team. We are not yet at the end of our development,” said Flick before the duel with BVB.
The “incredible atmosphere” in the sold-out stadium in Dortmund should motivate his team. “We also have a lot of fans here, we have to use the support,” demanded Flick: “We are playing in one of the most beautiful stadiums ever.”
