Hansi Flick: 'We will never give up'
When Hansi Flick speaks, FC Barcelona fans listen attentively. He is one of the authoritative voices of an FC Barcelona that thrills the blaugrana fans with their play and titles. Since he became the coach, the team fight each match with character and never give up. Attributes the coach himself expressed during an interview with a backdrop of the Tito Vilanova pitch that is available to view on the official FC Barcelona YouTube channel.
We have gathered some of the topics Flick discussed on 24 February, the day he turned 61 years old, and with the match against Villarreal on the horizon, which will be his 100th in charge of the blaugranes. A round figure to provide a moment to talk about him joining the Club, his career to date, the current situation of the team, including challenges such as attempting to come back against Atletico Madrid at the Spotify Camp Nou, or the motivation from future challenges as an FC Barcelona fan.
What Barça means
“Every experience changes you a bit. What I love about Barça is I felt it was a family from the first day. Everyone works here with heart. But it is also an obligation to understand what Barça means: it is identity, it is style. It is not just winning, it is how you win”.
Barça, a unique club
“Everything makes noise here, everything is analysed. But that's because people experience Barça with passion. We have a young team with a lot of talent, and we have to enjoy football. I always want to look ahead and be positive. It is the way I want to train, I want to coach my team”.
“In Barça it's not just the result that is important, it's how you play, how you win. For example, we ended up disappointed against Inter last season, but also proud because of what the team showed in those two games. And I think that is how everyone wants to see the team play, and it is important to me that we follow that way and philosophy”.
The role of La Masia
“Great work is done in La Masia. Everyone learns skills and tactics well. That is a good base for us”.
“Going to watch Barça Atlètic games at the Johan is a show of respect. They have to believe they have an opportunity. My presence can push them to give their all and I think it also gives them hope they have the opportunity to train or be with us”.
The influence of Cruyff and Guardiola
“I have always looked at Barça as a model during my career. The philosophy of Johan Cruyff and Pep have been a reference and it is how I want to see my team play football”.
The squad: youth and experience
“We are here to help the players grow. If we don't train at 100%, we cannot compete at 100%. I want a team that never gives up, but I think that is also part of our DNA. I love seeing a young team who want to improve every day, but I also see the desire to grow in the more experienced players. They like competing and they celebrate together; they have this perfect combination”.
“The most important thing on the pitch is that we play together. The experienced players are a great example for the young players. It is a good combination to manage”.
“Structure creates stability and stability creates confidence. With confidence you can dominate on the pitch. I try to support them, that stability, and be honest with them”.
“I want them to be remembered as a team that gives everything, that never gives up. No excuses, just focused on what we can do on the pitch”.
The race for the current LaLiga title
“It is a very long and very tough competition. We are first at the moment, we have made the most of the opportunity. But we have to fight and defend this position until the end of the season”.
The challenge of the comeback against Atletico Madrid
“It is difficult, but not impossible. I think the most important thing is we have to believe we can come back. We have to give it our all for those 90 minutes or maybe more; we have to fight for the team, for the Club and for the fans. We need to have the fans on side and we have to fight together against Atlético”.
“We haven't lost a game since we have been back at the Spotify Camp Nou. We have to go out with this positive feeling and try to make the comeback happen. With our fans and in our stadium, everything is possible”.
One game away from 100
“100 games with Barça is incredible. I always say it is a dream come true. It is a very tough job, but I really appreciate what I receive from the Club, the players and the city. It is an honour to work for this such outstanding club”.
A look towards the future
“I'm going step by step, game by game. We want to win titles, but also build the future. I appreciate working with Deco, with my team. It helps me feel very confident too, because I need to feel confidence”.
An unforgettable journey so far
“Being in Barça is an amazing journey. I dreamed about working for Barça as a coach. But I never expected this journey. I enjoy every day training with this team, with the members of the coaching staff too, with everyone. It's fantastic”.