Hansi Flick analyzes El Clásico: "We want to be dominant against Madrid"

Fútbol Club Barcelona is playing for more than three points this Sunday in El Clásico against Real Madrid. In the pre-match press conference, Hansi Flick appeared with a clear message: maximum ambition, respect for the opponent and confidence in his squad. The German coach addressed all the key issues of the match. These were his most outstanding statements:

He anticipates a dangerous Madrid, capable of pressing high and with great offensive capacity.

What Real Madrid do you expect?

Flick: “We could see both sides. They also put pressure on us man-to-man and they do that very well. They have a formidable offensive system. It is a possibility for tomorrow.”

He foresees a different match than the first leg, with both teams fighting for the win.

What kind of Clásico do you imagine?

Flick: “One never knows how the match will be. We are talking about two great teams facing each other. Maybe it will be different from the match in Madrid. Everyone wants to fight to get the three points and I hope we take them.”

He confirms that the team has overcome the European elimination and is ready to compete.

How is the team after the elimination in the Champions League?

Flick: “We are fine, after the defeat in Milan. Everyone knows that it is not easy but we are doing things well and we have talked about what we want to do.”

Neither Lewandowski nor Balde will be starters, although they could have minutes in the second half.

Are Lewandowski and Balde ready?

Flick: “I don't think I will count on them from the start. Gerard and the rest of the players are doing very well. After this match we have three more, maybe they will have minutes in the second half.”

He confirms goalkeeper Szczesny as the starter for the match against Real Madrid.

Who will be the starting goalkeeper?

Flick: “Szczesny will be against Madrid.”

He considers El Clásico as a perfect opportunity to get up after the Champions League.

Can El Clásico work as therapy after Europe?

Flick: “In a match like El Clásico you have to give 100%. We want to be active, dominant. Madrid is a great team, but we play at home and our fans support us.”

He makes it clear that, beyond the standings, the important thing is to win El Clásico.

Is this the most important Clásico of the year?

Flick: “It is the most important for the people of Barça, for the players and for me. What you have to do is win. That is our attitude.”

He highlights the difficulty and merit of winning a competition like LaLiga.

Is LaLiga the most important title?

Flick: “La Liga is the most honest title. You play 38 matches and if you come first, it is because you deserve it.”

He reinforces his game model based on high pressure, block work and courage.

Why does Barça defend in a high block?

Flick: “From the beginning I was clear about the philosophy. The whole team has to put pressure where the ball is. At first there were doubts, but now they are happy with the style.”

He highlights the figure of Iñigo Martínez as an absolute leader within the group.

What do you highlight about Iñigo Martínez's leadership?

Flick: “He is a leader. Always positive, focused on winning. He has adapted incredibly. Maybe it is one of his best seasons, and at 33 years old it is not easy.”

He applauds the attitude and versatility of players like Gerard and Eric García.

How do you assess the evolution of Gerard and Eric García?

Flick: “Gerard had a fantastic match in the Champions League. Eric has a fantastic mentality, I tell him if he plays as a 2, a 5 or a 6, and he never puts up problems. He can also score goals.”

He is satisfied with Tek's performance and believes that he would like to continue.

What do you think of Tek and his possible renewal?

Flick: “That is Deco's job. I am happy with him. He is calm, very positive, he keeps calm. I think he would like to stay. He smokes a little, but that relaxes him.”

The focus is solely on winning El Clásico. Nothing else matters.

Is this Clásico decisive?

Flick: “If you ask the players, they always want to win a Clásico. The standings don't matter. We are only focusing on this match to give everything.”

Conclusion

Hansi Flick has no doubts: El Clásico is played with intensity, pride and a winning mentality. Fútbol Club Barcelona arrives at the match with the pressure of staying alive in the fight for the title, but also with the conviction that it can prevail at home. The Camp Nou will be the stage, and the Barça fans, the engine. Everything is prepared for a high-tension match.