Ahead of Barcelona’s upcoming La Liga clash against Celta Vigo, head coach Hansi Flick faced the media in what turned out to be a passionate and revealing press conference. The German tactician spoke at length about his team’s performance, the brutal scheduling they’ve endured, the current fitness and form of key players, and his expectations going forward.
Flick opened the session by acknowledging the strengths of tomorrow’s opponent, Celta Vigo. “I think Celta have a clear style and philosophy,” he said. “It’s important for us to go out there and show our strengths. We need to dominate where we’re strong and minimize our mistakes.”
He revealed that the team had spent the morning analyzing their recent shortcomings, especially from the Champions League quarter-final clash against Borussia Dortmund. “This morning we talked about the problems we had in Dortmund,” he confirmed, referring to the loss in Germany that raised questions about Barça’s form.
Pressed on the disappointment in Dortmund, Flick was visibly defensive of his players. “Do you know how many games we’ve played in the last two weeks? I’ve never experienced a schedule like that,” he said. “We didn’t play that well in Dortmund, but we’re in the semifinals. These things happen.”
He emphasized that, if someone had predicted Barcelona’s position earlier in the season, he would have signed up for it without hesitation. “If you had told me at the beginning of the season that by April 18th we’d be top of the league, semi-finalists in the Champions League, and finalists in the Copa del Rey, I would have absolutely taken it,” Flick declared.
The manager turned emotional as he stood up for his squad. “Now we’re here. The fans are happy. The club is happy. They all deserve this, and most of all, the players deserve it. I will always defend them. I see what they put in every day in training. They give everything.”
He went on to speak about what he values most in a footballer. “It’s very simple. When the game starts, whether you play 45 minutes, 60, or just 30, give everything you have. That’s what I ask. That’s what makes you valuable to the team,” he said.
Flick explained that effort matters more than endurance. “If a player gives me 30 minutes at full intensity and says he can’t go on, that’s fine. There’s no problem, as long as those 30 minutes are all-out. That’s the mentality I want.”
He credited the team’s earlier Champions League success as the reason for their advancement. “Thanks to the first leg, we are in the semifinals. That’s the most important thing. We have to stay positive. The team knows what they have to do.”
Flick also expressed immense pride in how his players have handled the congested fixture list. “I’m very proud of them. They are performing at a high level. Maybe we lost in Dortmund, but that’s just one game. The attitude has been outstanding.”
He then pivoted to a critique of Spanish football scheduling. “All the top leagues protect their clubs when they’re in the Champions League. Especially during the semifinals. Here? We didn’t even get a moment to rest. It’s shocking.”
The coach didn’t hide his frustration at how things were handled logistically. “We arrived home at 3 or 4 a.m., and some players only got to bed around 5. That’s just two days before a league game. It’s unheard of. I’ve never seen anything like this.”
He warned that such scheduling doesn’t just hurt Barcelona, but all of Spanish football. “This calendar doesn’t help us. And it doesn’t help Spanish football either. Success in Europe benefits everyone. Why make it harder?”
Flick didn’t stop there. “Every federation protects its clubs — the Bundesliga, the Premier League. But here? No. We’re allowed to play in Europe, come back at dawn, and then play again. It’s insane. I want to talk to whoever is responsible.”
The manager also discussed key players and how he’s managing their workload. On Jules Koundé, Flick joked, “The problem with Jules is when I say ‘take 30 minutes off,’ he plays 90 the next day. Maybe I should just leave him on. He’s that committed.”
He complimented Koundé’s physical resilience but admitted that rest is essential. “Koundé is a beast physically. But even the best need to rest sometimes. I always talk with the players, and we manage these decisions together.”
He also highlighted the importance of Lamine Yamal’s role in the team and how his workload is being monitored. “We need Lamine too. But like with Jules, it’s a balance. If someone’s tired, they need to speak up. I want honesty, always.”
Flick then looked ahead to the potential Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan. “Inter are a top side. What they did last year was amazing. They have one of the best strikers in Europe and a very solid defense. It will be a war.”
He didn’t forget to praise his former player, now at Inter. “Benjamin Pavard? What a player. I had him before. He’s a great professional, always focused. I respect him a lot.”
On the squad updates, Flick confirmed that Dani Olmo was ready but would make the final call on matchday. “He’s ready. Fermin did well too. But Olmo? He’s in the squad. We’ll decide tomorrow.”
When asked about Iñigo Martínez’s absence in the Dortmund clash, he explained the veteran defender’s unique role. “Iñigo sees everything from the back. He’s a key organizer. I’m very happy with his contribution.”
Regarding Alejandro Balde’s recovery, Flick remained cautious. “We’re taking it day by day. There’s no rush. We’ll wait and see how he feels next week.”
He ended the press conference with a final jab at scheduling decisions. “I’m glad we’re not playing Valladolid on Sunday at 2:00 PM — that’s a relief. But why not 6:00 PM? That’s our usual time. Give me one reason. I really want to know who makes these decisions.”
As Flick walked off, one thing was crystal clear — he’s building a side that plays with pride and purpose, and he’s ready to take on anyone who tries to stand in their way, on or off the pitch.
