Hansi Flick: 'Only a win counts in this Champions League'

The Barça squad is already in Belgrade. And before the final training session in the run-up to the game against Crvena Zvezda, both Fermín and coach Hansi Flick attended the press conference to analyse the match. They were both convinced that the team will go all out to maintain the winning momentum and continue the climb up to the higher positions in the table. 

"Only a win counts in the new Champions League. It will be a difficult game tomorrow, against a great team with very quick forwards. However, my team are doing very well. We have to go all out because our aim is to be among the top 8", assured Flick to the media during a press conference where he went on to say that "clearly we have to improve things on the second half of the game against Espanyol, but we have to think positively, be concentrated and mentally ready". The coach stated "there is still a long way to go" and that "I don't even look at the table at the moment because I am only concerned about winning". "Winning the Champions League takes a lot of work. There are very good teams with the same aim as us, and so, it means you have to work hard", he commented.

On the team's play

The number of opponent offsides is one of the most notable aspects of Barça's most recent games. Flick was asked about it, but he preferred to play down its importance. What he did highlight, however, is that "we are going through a great period and we hope to carry on along those lines". "Our idea is to play football and for the entire team to be connected. Being good in defence and in attack", he added.

Furthermore, he made a particular point of emphasising the great atmosphere in the dressing room and the work everyone is doing together. "We have a superb supporting team. The coaching staff are doing a great job. However, what's ultimately important is that we have an incredible team. It's a treat to watch them train. Everything is going fine at the moment, everyone is very motivated, and that gives me a great feeling. It's not only the young players improving a lot, but the more experienced players are helping the young ones to develop. Everyone is very connected, both on and off the pitch, and that's true teamwork".