Hansi Flick stated Barcelona have the high quality to cope with the monetary would possibly of the “best in the world” Premier League as he prepares the Spanish champions for Tuesday’s Champions League round-of-16 first leg towards Newcastle United.
Newcastle are one among six Premier League sides to make it this far in Europe’s prime competitors and the Magpies stand between Barça and a spot in subsequent month’s quarterfinals.
This week’s assembly at St. James’ Park will probably be the second between the two groups in the Champions League this season, with Barça successful 2-1 in the league part at Newcastle again in September.
The tie will probably be decided on March 18 at Spotify Camp Nou.
“The Premier League is a great league, for me the best in the world,” Barça coach Flick stated in the pre-game information convention on Monday. “They have strong teams and also a lot of money — to hopefully make the right decisions. That’s why you see there are six [English] teams in this round.
“For me, we’re robust as properly, not solely Newcastle or Manchester City or Arsenal or Tottenham or the others. We have enormous high quality, we’ve to proceed our manner — our fashion, how we wish to play.
“We want to play like Barça, also in the Champions League. Our supporters are proud about the way we play football. This is what we want to show tomorrow.”
Newcastle haven’t been in the finest kind domestically. They have misplaced three of their final 5 league video games, slipping to twelfth in the desk, and have been knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester City at the weekend.
However, Flick is conscious of the menace they’ll pose, particularly with a passionate house help behind them on Tuesday.
“The Champions League is different,” the German coach added when requested about Newcastle’s inconsistent performances. “Everyone in this stage wants to show their best. We will find here a fantastic atmosphere. The fans will push them on, they will press high, man to man, and play an intense game.
“We have to play courageous out from the again. It won’t be straightforward. We have to discover options. It’s a group in transition with very quick, good, excellent gamers. We have to deal with and handle it.”
Barça are with out the injured Jules Koundé, Alejandro Balde, Andreas Christensen, Gavi and Frenkie de Jong, however Flick confirmed midfielder Marc Bernal is offered after recovering from a abdomen downside.
Marcus Rashford, who scored the two goals when Barça beat Newcastle in September, could also come into Flick’s thinking after making his first start in a month in Saturday’s 1-0 win at Athletic Club.
“Marcus was injured, he was out some days, some video games,” Flick said. “Now he’s again. We will see. I’ve not determined but. But he is a great choice.”
The build-up to Barça’s match in England has been dominated by the row between Flick’s predecessor Xavi Hernández and president Joan Laporta against the backdrop of Sunday’s presidential election, when club members will vote for either Laporta or Victor Font.
Flick said club politics will not affect his players’ preparations.
“It’s one among the most vital weeks in the season now as a result of we wish to go to the subsequent spherical,” he said.
“We have right here a recreation and we’ve to concentrate on the recreation. I’m centered on this recreation solely, on tomorrow, on my group.”
