Flick explains his rotation with the center backs and leaves a 'touch' to Lamine

FC Barcelona plays this Wednesday its first match as local in the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 in Montjuïc, against Paris Saint-Germain. In the press conference prior to the match, Hansi Flick explained his rotation plan to get the most out of the Azulgrana squad. The line of center backs has been the area of the field with the most variations so far.

"All the rivals have their strengths and can leave us spaces. In that sense, we need the right players and, therefore, we are changing. It is not that I have not found the right formula, it is because I have confidence in the whole team and there is a lot of quality", the coach began by saying.

Similarly, he warned of the importance of knowing how to manage injuries in the team, as well as shielding all players with confidence, especially the young ones. Regarding Ronald Araujo, he ratified his confidence in the captain, although he does not guarantee to put him in the starting XI against PSG. A rival against whom the 'charrúa' has a particular revenge pending, after his costly mistake in the quarterfinals of 23/24.

Hansi Flick's 'touch' to Lamine Yamal to take him to the "next level"

On the other hand, Flick once again praised the talent of Lamine Yamal, although he made it clear that, beyond being an 'exceptional' player, he prefers not to exaggerate in qualifiers. On the contrary, the Azulgrana coach believes that, although quality and talent are key to reaching the top, you also have to work hard to grow in all aspects of the game.

"He is 18 years old and he also has to focus on making a lot of effort. It is not always easy. There comes a point where you arrive with talent, but, to move to the next level, one or two steps more, you have to make an effort", argued the Heidelberg native.

In addition, he made it clear that, beyond his explosiveness in attack, it is also important that he helps in defense. He and all the players must make the maximum effort with and without the ball so that the pressure is effective.

"It's not just about playing with the ball, it's also about defending. It's what we need from all the players, not just Lamine"

Possible rematch against PSG, favoritism in Champions League and match management 

Likewise, Hansi Flick acknowledged his satisfaction at seeing Barcelona among the favorites to reach the Champions League final, but warns that the road is long and matches like Wednesday's against Paris are fundamental to confirm the potential of each team.

Flick, in addition, ruled out a feeling of revenge in the Azulgrana team for the elimination against PSG in the quarterfinals of 23/24, precisely in Montjuïc. For the coach, a lot of time has passed and the current context is totally different. Luis Enrique's team comes from winning everything the previous year, while Barça swept Spain with the local treble.

"We have a spectacular rival in front of us. I don't think about the last match against PSG because we have to focus on this one. The past is different from the current moment. Everything has changed completely", Flick pointed out.

About the match itself, Flick pointed out the importance of imposing themselves in the high pressure, since Paris also knows how to manage the ball very well and displays a similar style. Therefore, it is key to maintain concentration from minute 1.

"It never works to want to score the second goal before the first. We have to work on our match plan. We have to play like that"

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