Hansi Flick: 'I like watching Elche'
Work and work to improve. That's the message Hansi Flick repeated time and again in his press conference ahead of his team's date with Elche. However, many of the German coach’s answers also revolved around the Champions League, where Barça, now aware of the upcoming ties, are still awaiting their opponent.
On Elche
But Barça’s most immediate challenge is Elche. “In the first-round match, they had more possession of the ball" recalls Flick. "Eder Sarabia has done a fantastic job and I like the way his team plays. They are brave and create a lot of chances. I enjoy analysing them and watching how they play.”
“There is still a long way to go until the end of the season and we have to take it game by game ... LaLiga is a great competition and we will fight until the end, just as Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid or Villarreal will.”
“We are FC Barcelona and we want to win every trophy. It’s not easy, we can dream, but we have to work hard to improve every day. It’s important to focus on the next match. The team’s attitude and mentality are good. That’s one of our strengths. We are good and we have quality.”
Flick also stressed the need for his players to be fully focused from the very first minute of every match and underlined that work is the most important factor in continuing to improve: “I have a very good squad with a lot of quality, and we also have players from Barça Atlètic and La Masia who have enough quality to play. I believe in their quality and I am very happy with it.”
Bernal and Casadó
Two La Masia players who are enjoying prominence in this Barça side are Marc Bernal and Marc Casadó, and they were the focus of several questions. “When you’re young, I think it’s important to have passion" said Flick. "You’re playing with the best players in the world and for the best club. Each of them is aware of that and feels the Barça colours in their heart. I feel grateful to have players like Casadó and Bernal with that attitude. I love it.”
“Bernal is a vital player, he’s doing things very well. He has to go step by step; he feels good, but in the end he needs patience to keep improving and keep working. We’re helping him and it’s fantastic to see.”
Champions League
Europe’s elite competition has drawn plenty of attention this week. “We’re very proud to be in the top eight, but we’re aware that we need to improve” Flick said.
“Everyone wants to win the Champions League. It’s the best competition. It’s a responsibility and we’re working to achieve it. We have to improve every day to reach that dream. It won’t be easy, and we have to work hard.”
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