Flick: Inter ‘one of the best defences in Europe’ and much more | OneFootball

Hansi Flick admits Inter are one of the best defences in Europe, but they also have a ‘great midfield’ and two good strikers, so Barcelona must ‘protect the spaces’ and ‘reduce errors.’

Flick held a pre-match press conference on Tuesday, on the eve of a Champions League semifinal first leg against Inter.

Star winger Lamine Yamal joined Flick after a training session in the morning, which three injured Barcelona players did not attend.

“Inter will be very difficult; they’re one of the best defences in Europe,” Flick said via Football Espana.

“They have a great midfield and the two strikers are very good. But also the transition they make is very dangerous. So they defend good, but also attack. We have to be ready.

Flick: Inter’ one of the best defences in Europe’ and much more

BARCELONA, SPAIN – APRIL 09: Hansi Flick, Head Coach of FC Barcelona, acknowledges the fans after his team’s victory in the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg match between FC Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 09, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)

“Today we met and talked about what we need to change. They’ll have five players in midfield, and we’ll have to protect the spaces. It’s very important for us to keep possession and reduce errors, they have automatisms, it’s very imporant. We have to be very focused on the ball, as well as defence.”

The Catalans were forced to extra time by Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey Final on Saturday, while Inter lost to Roma at San Siro the following day.

“What I can say is that all the players are focused and want to reach the final,” Flick continued.

“The win against Madrid is important for our emotions and can help us keep pushing. I think we can reach the final. They’ll give it their all too.”

Inter dreamt of winning another legendary treble only seven days ago, but have lost the last three games across all competitions, facing Coppa Italia elimination and seeing Napoli overtake them at the top of the Serie A table.

“The Champions League is a huge opportunity for Inter to win the title,” Flick added.

“It’s something completely different, and past matches and recent defeats don’t matter. Also for some of their players, it will be the last chance they have to win it, so they will give 100%. This is clear, and it’s what we have to do too.”