Flick gets 'wet': Szczęsny will be the '1' in Champions League and sends a clear message about his future at Barça

Hansi Flick has appeared in the press conference prior to the commitment between FC Barcelona and Inter Milan at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys (Montjuïc), a duel that will open this semifinal tie in the UEFA Champions League 2024/25. The German coach, true to his direct style, addressed several issues related to the current situation of the 'Azulgranas'.

Szczęsny will be the starter in Champions League

One of the most outstanding revelations of the German coach was the confirmation of the starting goalkeeper for the Champions League. With the recent medical clearance of Marc-André ter Stegen, doubts arose as to whether the coach would keep Wojciech Szczęsny, who had replaced him during his injury. However, Flick cleared up any uncertainty:

"'Tek' will play in the Champions League and maybe we'll change in LaLiga. We'll see that later, but Szczęsny will play in the Champions League," he clarified, making it clear that the Polish player will continue to be the goalkeeper in the European competition. It should be remembered that, at a regulatory level, the inclusion of 'MATS' in the list for this competition would have meant the loss of the Polish goalkeeper, since he entered after the '1' was injured. So, when he recovers his quota, the '25' would be 'KO'd', a luxury that Barcelona cannot currently afford.

"'Tek' will play in the Champions League and maybe we'll change in LaLiga. We'll see that later, but Szczesny will play in the Champions League"

Flick speaks about his future at the club

Another of the topics addressed was his possible renewal with the club. Although there have been rumors that the coach's continuity is well on track, Flick preferred to be cautious: "I think I will coach the team next year, yes. I have a contract until the end of next season, I am very happy and I love this team. It is not the right time and it is not time to talk about it. We are not focused on what will happen in the future," he said.

"It is not the right time and it is not time to talk about it. We are not focused on what will happen in the future"

The German assessed the physical condition of the team

Regarding the current state of the 'Azulgrana' squad, the coach from Heidelberg pointed out that the group is in good shape despite the accumulated wear and tear. "I have seen the players well. It also influences how the match was, but we are already focused on Inter. We have the opportunity to reach the Champions League final. It is the most important competition. We are in a privileged position. The training has gone well and we have talked about what we can improve from the match against Madrid," he asserted.

Flick also referred to the possibility of making rotations with respect to the eleven that played the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid: "We'll see tomorrow. We still have a day and we'll see how the players recover. When you see Inter, you realize that they have had fewer hours to prepare."

The victory in the Copa del Rey against Real Madrid, a boost of morale

Hansi emphasized the emotional importance of the victory against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final, highlighting how it has positively affected the group. "What I can say is that all the players are focused and want to reach the final. The victory against Madrid is important for the emotions and can help us to keep pushing. I think we can reach the final. They will also give everything," he warned.

"The victory against Madrid is important for the emotions and can help us to keep pushing. I think we can reach the final"

Praise for Fermín López and Jules Koundé

The coach also spoke about some specific names in the squad. First, he assessed the role of Fermín López, who could be a starter against Inter. "Fermín is always an option. On Saturday we opted for Olmo, but he can start the match. He did a very good job and we need him. He always gives his best and is at a very good level," he remarked.

To close, he dedicated a few words to Jules Koundé, author of the decisive goal against Real Madrid and one of the most outstanding players of the team in recent weeks. "Jules is a very professional player. It was not only the goal, but he defends very well. Against Madrid he stopped his rival, Bellingham. I was surprised by that anticipation. He is a very important player," Flick concluded.

• 🎥 THE FULL PRESS CONFERENCE OF HANSI FLICK BEFORE THE MATCH BETWEEN FC BARCELONA AND INTER MILAN: