Flick talks Cubarsi, Szczesny, Di Maria, Kounde penalty ahead of Benfica vs Barcelona | OneFootball

After their 1-1 draw against Getafe over the weekend, Barcelona will be aiming to produce a strong reaction when the take on SL Benfica in their penultimate league-phase fixture of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League.

The Blaugrana are currently second in the Champions League table and another victory tomorrow would all but guarantee their place in the top eight and direct qualification to the knockout stages.

Speaking to the media on the eve of the match, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick discussed the importance of a victory tomorrow as well as reflecting on the team’s poor run in La Liga.

On tomorrow’s game and Benfica

“Our objective is to win tomorrow’s game. It would be a big step for the standings and to be able to finish in the top eight. We’re second now, it would be great to win all three points,” started Flick.

Talking about their tomorrow’s opponents, he added: “Benfica are a team that plays very well, Di Maria is one of my favourite players. It’s a pleasure to watch them play.”

There was further praise for Angel Di Maria, who has recovered from his injury and will be fit to play for Benfica tomorrow, as Flick said:

“He is a top player. He’s always at a great level over the years. He’s fantastic and it’s great to see him play.”

Flick is a fan of Angel Di Maria. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

Regarding Benfica manager Bruno Lage tipping Barça as one of the favourites to win the Champions League, Flick remarked:

“The future will tell if he is right or wrong. Obviously, it is one of our objectives. It is one of the most difficult competitions to win.

“At the moment I watch Liverpool and every game they play very well, they are doing a great job. At the moment they are one of my favourite teams.”

Flick returns to the venue where he once hammered Barcelona 2-8 while in charge of Bayern Munich. On being asked about his memories at Estadio da Luz, he said:

“I have very good memories of this stadium, but it’s the past. We could also talk about the final, the atmosphere will be incredible. It will be important that we defend well.”

On Barcelona’s poor form in La Liga and chances in the UCL

Given the way Barça have been playing in the Champions League compared to their recent poor form in the league, Flick was asked if it was easier for them to win the European competition this season. In response, the German said:

“Winning the Champions League is one of the most difficult things in the world. We are doing well, but so are other teams. We are alive in all three competitions, we have to improve in the league.

“When I see how we play I am proud, against Getafe we did it but they are a difficult team.”

On whether Barcelona still stand a chance of winning La Liga, he replied: “All I can say is that we will fight for the title and we will see what happens in the end in the next few months.”

On the players and the team

Flick was full of praise for Pau Cubarsi. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Hansi Flick also had some praise for teenage sensation Pau Cubarsi, who recently completed one year with the first team and is set to turn 18 years old soon.

“He is always at an incredible level. He’s two days away from his 18th birthday, he’s having a great season,” said the manager.

The manager also touched on the goalkeeping situation at Barcelona, with reports suggesting that Flick will opt for Wojciech Szczesny in the UCL and Inaki Pena in La Liga.

“It’s one of the things we are discussing. Situations change. We saw what Tek [Szczesny] did in the Super Cup. I really like the way he shows himself on the pitch, but we’ll see tomorrow,” he stated.

The Barcelona head coach also praised Szczesny for the way he has lifted up the atmosphere in the dressing room since his arrival, saying:

“I think he is one of the best signings we have made. Not only because of the way he plays but also because of his support for the players. It’s great to see him and how he shows his experience to the young players.”

Flick also agreed with Barcelona president Joan Laporta’s comments earlier today when he slammed the referee for not awarding the team a penalty during the Getafe clash, saying:

“Was it or wasn’t it (laughs)? I don’t know what to say. The same thing happens in every game. You don’t need the VAR, it’s a clear penalty. What could I say?”

Source: Mundo Deportivo