Barcelona manager Hansi Flick admitted that although there was nowadays little time to prepare for large competitions, he changed their performance in the Copa del Rey-final and in their approach to Inter in the semi-final first leg of the Champions League. The Catalans will have a home advantage in the first stage in Montjuic, as was the case in the quarterfinals.
Flick was very supplementary for Inter prior to their draw, where the Italian giants represent a difficult match for Barcelona.
“We are only focused on the first stage, and that is the first part of our goal. Inter will be very difficult; they are one of the best defenses in Europe. They have a great midfield and the two strikers are very good. But also the transition they make is very dangerous. So they defend well, but also attack. We have to be ready.”
The German coach was not worried about his players who struggled to be mentally in the right place after the euphoria to beat Real Madrid in a final.
“What I can say is that all players are focused and want to reach the final. The victory against Madrid is important for our emotions and can help us push. I think we can reach the final. They will also give them.”
A lot of attention was paid to the youth of the Barcelona team, but Flick noted that the veterans in Inter's side also had an extra motivation.
“The Champions League is a huge opportunity for Inter to win the title. It is something completely different, and earlier competitions and recent defeats do not matter. It is also the last chance for some of their players to win, so they will give it 100%. This is clear, and it is what we have to do.”
He was also asked if Inter would affect the Nerazzurri a day later on Sunday a day later. Flick was not worried about how the fatigue would influence Barcelona.
“I don't know. It is not my job, I am aimed at my team. We have the mentality to win the first stage and to be on our best.”
Another question is how Barcelona will adapt to an internet that has caused problems for all the great sides in Europe under Simone Inzaghi, and whether he would have time for that.
“Of course, we trained today. Of course there are tactics. OK, we have to see how fit someone is, they can play? But we have to let them play, and we don't want to take a risk. But today it was a good day to train that today.”
“Today we met and talked about what we need to change. They have five players in midfield, and we will have to protect the spaces. It is very important for us to maintain property and reduce errors, they have machines, it is very important. We have to be very focused on the ball, as well as defense.”