
FC BARCELONA
Flick warns his players before Barça–Villarreal: “You can go out partying and play, there are no excuses”
Published:17/05/2025 - 16:36h
Updated:17/05/2025 - 16:36h
The coach of Fútbol Club Barcelona wants to close LaLiga with a victory in Montjuïc and makes it clear that, despite the title celebration, he expects total commitment against Villarreal
🎙️ Flick closes the season in Montjuïc: “We want to finish as champions and celebrate with our fans”
Hansi Flick appeared at a press conference before the FC Barcelona - Villarreal match, corresponding to matchday 37 of LaLiga 2024/25. Already with the title in his pocket, the German coach reviewed his experience in the champions' parade, assessed the atmosphere in the dressing room, analyzed tactical aspects and left open the possibility of fielding several youth players in what will be the last match of the season at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium.
A closing with a party atmosphere... but with demands
“We want to win to celebrate with our fans in the stadium. We haven't lost at home in 2025 and we want to continue like this,” Flick said with determination. Although the title is already secured, the German does not want relaxation in the penultimate matchday of the championship: “Villarreal is having a great end to the season and it will be a tough match. We have to be prepared.”
The parade, an unforgettable experience
Flick did not hide his enthusiasm when recalling the celebration through the streets of Barcelona: “It was impressive. When you see the faces of the people, with the passion they have for the club, it is very nice to see. If we can do it every year, better.” He also joked about his role in the party: “The MVP of the parade? Cubarsí took the microphone and did a great job.”
About the connection with the club and the city
“What surprised me most about Barça is the passion of the people. You always see the connection with the club,” he said. The coach also expressed his personal happiness at living in Barcelona: “I love living here. It's another culture and I'm very happy with it.”
Assessment of the work done and the great value of the group
The Barça coach highlighted the team's internal atmosphere as one of the keys to success: “What I am most proud of is the atmosphere that exists. It's like a family. We wanted to create an atmosphere where the players could bring out their best version and it has worked.”
Aspects to improve for the future
Despite the title, Flick does not lose focus on what needs to be improved: “Defense is everyone's job, but in attack it is also important to be well positioned. Another key point is the physical aspect. It's incredible how Pedri or De Jong have played in these last few matches.”
Rotations and prominence for the youth academy?
With La Liga already won, he was asked if he would use a starting eleven full of youth players: “We have talked about it, but we haven't decided yet. It's an option. We'll decide tomorrow.” He also confirmed that he will make “some changes” compared to the usual starting eleven, although he sent a clear message: “If they have been able to go out partying, they can play. There are no excuses.”
Situation of Christensen and loaned players
Flick positively assessed Andreas Christensen's performance: “He is improving a lot and is not yet at his best level. He is on the way.” About the loaned players, he was blunt: “We haven't talked about that yet. We will do it after the match in Bilbao.”
Farewell to Montjuïc... and return to Camp Nou?
It will be the last match of Fútbol Club Barcelona in Montjuïc, and Flick wanted to highlight the experience lived in this stadium: “I have had a great experience here. I really want to play in the new Camp Nou. We haven't talked about the return yet, but the holidays will be long and we hope to return.”
A celebration that he shared with his family
The coach also had emotional words for his closest environment: “My family is always with me. Although some are in Germany, we made video calls. I have many photos and videos on my phone. This morning I saw some with my grandson. It's very nice to see.”
Aware that the title is already at home, Flick does not want to miss the opportunity to close the league season with a victory in front of the fans, in a stadium that has accompanied the team throughout the campaign. Everything points to a new full house in Montjuïc to say goodbye to La Liga as champions.
📅 FC Barcelona vs Villarreal
📍 Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium (Montjuïc)
🕙 Sunday, 9:00 PM
🏆 Matchday 37 - LaLiga EA SPORTS 2024/25