Flick talks Pedri, Inigo, Bayern, Inter after Borussia Dortmund 3-1 Barcelona | OneFootball

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick was full of praise for his team after they secured a place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2019.

Following a tense second-leg battle against Borussia Dortmund, which they lost 1-3, the German coach reflected on the importance of the achievement and the difficulties they faced along the way.

Despite having an advantage going into the second leg, Barcelona were pushed hard by a determined Dortmund side. Flick acknowledged the challenge, saying,

“Dortmund were a very good opponent. The atmosphere in the stadium was tremendous. It wasn’t our best day.

“It is not easy to play these games against teams like Dortmund, but in the end, we qualified for the semi-finals, which was our objective,” he began saying.

Squad management and semi-final opponent

Barcelona suffered their first loss of 2025. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Flick was also asked who he would prefer to face in the semi-finals—his former club Bayern Munich or Inter Milan. The coach didn’t pick sides.

“I will sit at home and enjoy the game. I don’t have a favourite. I don’t prefer anyone.”

On the topic of Pedri’s absence from the starting XI, Flick made it clear there was no injury concern.

“No [there is no injury]. Pedri has had a lot of playing time in recent weeks and needed a rest. I think it was important. With the ball and defending. It was important that he played some minutes.”

When asked about the absence of Inigo Martinez, the manager explained it was purely tactical.

“That’s something I can confirm. Inigo had a card, and we did not want to take any risks. That was the reason, and that’s why we gave him a break.”

Barcelona will now prepare for a huge semi-final test, knowing they are just one step away from a return to the Champions League final.

Source: AS