FC Barcelona might be aiming to get one other victory at St James’ Park this season when Spherical of 16 first leg.
The Catalans defeated the Premier League aspect 2-1 within the league section of the competitors earlier within the marketing campaign and might be gunning for a similar outcome and taking a step in the direction of the quarterfinals.
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Forward of the massive recreation on Tuesday night time, Barcelona supervisor Hansi Flick spoke to the media in his pre-match press convention.
On elections and Xavi’s statements
As one would anticipate, the upcoming Barcelona presidential elections and the latest statements made by Xavi Hernandez about Joan Laporta had been closely mentioned throughout the media interplay.
“We’re colleagues and have an excellent relationship. I’ve visited him, we’ve met, nevertheless it’s a personal matter. I do know the reality, and I’m holding it to myself. I gained’t reveal it right here,” mentioned Flick concerning the interplay he had with Xavi after taking up as Barcelona supervisor.
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The supervisor then addressed speculations about the opportunity of him not persevering with at Barcelona if Joan Laporta doesn’t return as president and sporting director Deco is axed.
“We now have to attend. From day one, I’ve loved working with Deco and Bojan. We don’t simply analyze the primary group, but in addition the gamers from La Masia,” he mentioned.
“We talked about Casado, Bernal, and Gerard Martin after I arrived. We share the identical imaginative and prescient. This is likely one of the most vital weeks of our season. We now have to concentrate on the matches.
“We’re all on this collectively. We’ve constructed a group for the longer term. We would like every thing to work and provides 100%. I’ve lots of respect for Newcastle, and we’ve got to concentrate on tomorrow.”
On being requested for his ideas on the election, Flick added: “I’m solely targeted on the match. We’re in a pleasant lodge with an excellent environment, and we’ve come straight from Bilbao. I’m positive you gained’t ask me about that after the sport.”
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When requested for his ideas on the timing of Xavi’s feedback, he mentioned: “It’s as much as him to say it, not me.”
On the sport
Flick anticipates a troublesome match vs Newcastle. (Picture by Stu Forster/Getty Photographs)
Speaking concerning the match in opposition to Newcastle United, Flick admitted: “Newcastle play nicely, they’ll press one-on-one, they’re fast in assault, we’ve got to defend very nicely with satisfaction and braveness. Each matches rely.
“We already noticed that in opposition to Atletico within the Cup. We now have to watch out, and we’ll.”
Afterward, he added: “It gained’t be straightforward; all of the groups within the Champions League wish to present their finest. They’re a group with fast transitions, very harmful, and we’ll need to play nicely.”
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On being requested to elaborate on the learnings from the defeat to Atletico Madrid, the supervisor defined:
“We’ve talked about and analyzed that match, very truthfully. We didn’t defend as a group the best way we wished; some gamers didn’t do an excellent job defensively.
“At house, however, everybody defended, everybody stored the mandatory distance, everybody pressed after they wanted to… When you don’t apply stress, it’s tough to defend.”
Relating to the complaints that Barça concede many targets, he added: “I’ve had two unbelievable groups, Bayern and Barça, and I take pleasure in each day. We additionally scored lots of targets. Defending is a group effort.”
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Speaking concerning the energy of La Masia and the way the children from the academy are actually forming the core of the group, Flick mentioned:
“Cubarsi, Lamine, Fermin, Bernal, who’s already match and recovered… The standard they’ve is unbelievable, his match in Bilbao was unbelievable.”
Praising Pau Cubarsi, particularly, he added: “Watching Cubarsi defend… He took a throw-in like a nook. He’s on the similar stage as Lamine, however in defence. He’s 19 years outdated and may play on the highest stage possible.”
On whether or not Marcus Rashford would begin, contemplating he scored a brace within the win in opposition to Newcastle, the supervisor said:
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“Marcus was away for just a few days and has come again robust. I haven’t determined but, however he’s an excellent choice.”
The supervisor additionally acknowledged the energy of the Premier League and their spending energy, saying:
“It’s the perfect league on the earth, it’s unbelievable, they’ve some huge cash and may make selections. We’re as robust as they’re, and we’ve got to play in response to our philosophy and present it to the world.”
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