Hans Flick, the head coach of FC Barcelona, spoke at a press conference ahead of the upcoming match against Inter Milan in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals. Flick highlighted that the match would be crucial for his team, especially after the thrilling 3-3 draw in the first leg. He emphasized that the upcoming game in Italy would be full of challenges.
Regarding the team's player Robert Lewandowski, who recently returned from injury, Flick stated that it might be better for the player to start the match from the bench after his injury. However, he added that Lewandowski is ready to participate if needed. Flick mentioned that he had spoken to the player and confirmed that his health was improving steadily. Still, he wouldn't be fully ready to start upcoming matches, such as the one against Real Madrid, and would play only when necessary.
Flick confirmed that he hoped his team would enjoy the match and make the most of every moment on the pitch. He also expressed his desire for the team to play as a cohesive unit and adapt to the various conditions and changes during the match. He pointed out that this game could be an opportunity to showcase the team's completeness and strength.
Regarding the young player Lamine Yamal, who has shown impressive performances in recent matches, Flick mentioned that the most important thing is the team as a whole, not any single player. He praised Lamine's exceptional talent, which has been evident in his brilliant movements on the field, particularly his ability to bring the team back into the match during crucial moments, such as in the first leg. Flick urged the player to always show this spirit and talent in every match, emphasizing that the team needs everyone, especially in these decisive games that bring them closer to reaching the final.
On the media and fans' expectations about the team, Flick responded by saying: "Do you think I should put pressure on the players before the Inter match?" He explained that the beginning of the season was full of challenges, and no one expected the team to reach this stage in the Champions League, as they had won two trophies this season and were competing for more. He expressed his appreciation for the players' efforts so far, noting that they had made the club and its fans proud of what they had achieved.
Flick added, "We are now in the semifinals of the Champions League, and this is a significant achievement for us. What matters now is to enjoy the moment and share this success with each other. We need to enjoy the matches and play as a team. The opponent in this round is strong, and it will require us to be fully prepared to face them."
Flick stressed the importance of continued development, saying: "We have won two trophies this season, and every player has improved noticeably with every match. We are in the advanced stages of the Champions League, and this is an opportunity to show our strength and let the world see our abilities. We are ready for this challenge, and we are determined to deliver our best performance in this decisive match."
In conclusion, Flick pointed out that the team is in a state of mental and physical readiness, and all players are prepared to enter the match with full focus and professionalism. He emphasized that enjoying the game and solidarity as a team is the key to their success this season.