On the eve of Barcelona’s biggest game of the season, manager Hansi Flick struck the right tone – firm, calm and convincing.
His team has the chance to reach the Champions League final for the first time in a decade, against an Inter Milan side unbeaten at home in 15 matches in this competition.
“We’ve already won titles, and we have a lot at stake this week,” Flick said in his pre-match press conference.
“What I value most is that my players enjoy themselves and are enthusiastic. That makes me proud.”
Barcelona will need more than enthusiasm at the San Siro. They will need control, courage and collective discipline – three things Flick kept circling back to in his comments.
He dismissed pressure as a tool, choosing instead to trust his squad. “Do you think I need to put pressure on them?” he asked a reporter.
“At the start of the season, no one had any idea what we’d achieve. Now I want them to show how good they really are.”
Flick has never been a coach who panics. Even when discussing Inter’s threat, his tone remained measured.
“They are strong, experienced, and they occupy spaces well – we must do better than we did in the first leg,” he said. “Everyone will have to be involved in the defence.”
He hinted at tactical tweaks, particularly from set-pieces and in midfield, where Barcelona were often overrun last week.
“From the outside, it can look like one thing, but everything has a reason,” he said. “We will change something.”
One of his boldest decisions will involve Robert Lewandowski, who is returning from injury. Flick made it clear he will not start.
“He will play if we need him,” he said. “It would be best for him to start from the bench.”
There was also glowing praise for Lamine Yamal, the teenager who sparked Barcelona’s fightback in the first leg.
“Lamine is a genius – what he does is unbelievable,” Flick said. “But he has to show it every time.”
Flick’s final message was clear. “We will give our everything on the pitch to reach the final,” he said. “I don’t want to put pressure on the players. I want them to enjoy it.”
