Hansi Flick says 'win would be step forward'
Barça coach Hansi Flick is taking one game at a time with Tuesday's Champions League clash with Benfica in Lisbon his only focus right now. "Our objective is to win tomorrow's game," said the blaugrana coach in his pre-game press conference at the Estádio da Luz on Monday. FC Barcelona are currently in second place in the table in the new 36 team league format introduced this season, and two wins from their last two fixtures would guarantee them a top eight finish and a place directly into the last 16 of the knock out stage.
Even though his team are sure of at least a play off place in the next phase of the competition, Flick has his sights set higher. "A win would be a great step towards finishing in the top eight - we are second and it would be good to get another three points," said the German. Finishing amongst the top seeds in the league stage would avoid a play off and an extra two games in the Champions League, important "to be able to rest and prepare for games with more time" according to Flick.
Barça have won five of their six matches so far in the 2024/25 Champions League, but the coach is remaining prudent as "winning the Champions League is one of the most difficult things to achieve."
A rival with their own stars
Benfica's home of the Estádio da Luz is one that brings happy memories for Hansi Flick, as it was in that very stadium that his Bayern Munich claimed the title in the 2020 final against Paris Saint-Germain. This time his opponents are the home side, but he is looking for a similar outcome. "Benfica are a team who play good football with great players," admitted the Barça boss, singling out the figure of veteran Argentine Ángel Di María: "He's a top player. Every season he performs; he's fantastic and a great player to watch."
Barça will have to be at their best against a solid Benfica side and Flick hopes to see an improvement compared to Saturday's draw away at Getafe: "We are still in three competitions, but we have to do better in the league. When I see us play I am proud, but Getafe are a tough side even though we played well."
Against the Portuguese giants "the defence will be key" for Flick, as well as dealing with the atmosphere inside the Estádio da Luz, another famous stadium where Barça can leave their mark on Tuesday.