Flick talks Xavi, Deco, Cubarsi, Lamine, Rashford ahead of Newcastle vs Barcelona | OneFootball

FC Barcelona will be aiming to get another victory at St James’ Park this season when they face Newcastle United in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg.

The Catalans defeated the Premier League side 2-1 in the league phase of the competition earlier in the campaign and will be gunning for the same result and taking a step towards the quarterfinals.

Ahead of the big game on Tuesday night, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick spoke to the media in his pre-match press conference.

On elections and Xavi’s statements

As one would expect, the upcoming Barcelona presidential elections and the recent statements made by Xavi Hernandez about Joan Laporta were heavily discussed during the media interaction.

“We’re colleagues and have a good relationship. I’ve visited him, we’ve met, but it’s a private matter. I know the truth, and I’m keeping it to myself. I won’t reveal it here,” said Flick about the interaction he had with Xavi after taking over as Barcelona manager.

The manager then addressed speculations about the possibility of him not continuing at Barcelona if Joan Laporta does not return as president and sporting director Deco is axed.

“We have to wait. From day one, I’ve enjoyed working with Deco and Bojan. We don’t just analyze the first team, but also the players from La Masia,” he said.

“We talked about Casado, Bernal, and Gerard Martin when I arrived. We share the same vision. This is one of the most important weeks of our season. We have to focus on the matches.

“We’re all in this together. We’ve built a team for the future. We want everything to work and give 100%. I have a lot of respect for Newcastle, and we have to focus on tomorrow.”

On being asked for his thoughts on the election, Flick added: “I’m only focused on the match. We’re in a nice hotel with a good atmosphere, and we’ve come directly from Bilbao. I’m sure you won’t ask me about that after the game.”

When asked for his thoughts on the timing of Xavi’s comments, he said: “It’s up to him to say it, not me.”

On the game

Flick anticipates a tough match vs Newcastle. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Talking about the match against Newcastle United, Flick admitted: “Newcastle play well, they’ll press one-on-one, they’re quick in attack, we have to defend very well with pride and courage. Both matches count.

“We already saw that against Atletico in the Cup. We have to be careful, and we will.”

Later on, he added: “It won’t be easy; all the teams in the Champions League want to show their best. They’re a team with quick transitions, very dangerous, and we’ll have to play well.”

On being asked to elaborate on the learnings from the defeat to Atletico Madrid, the manager explained:

“We’ve talked about and analyzed that match, very honestly. We didn’t defend as a team the way we wanted; some players didn’t do a good job defensively.

“At home, on the other hand, everyone defended, everyone kept the necessary distance, everyone pressed when they needed to… If you don’t apply pressure, it’s difficult to defend.”

Regarding the complaints that Barça concede many goals, he added: “I’ve had two incredible teams, Bayern and Barça, and I enjoy every day. We also scored a lot of goals. Defending is a team effort.”

Talking about the strength of La Masia and how the youngsters from the academy are now forming the core of the team, Flick said:

“Cubarsi, Lamine, Fermin, Bernal, who’s already fit and recovered… The quality they have is incredible, his match in Bilbao was incredible.”

Praising Pau Cubarsi, in particular, he added: “Watching Cubarsi defend… He took a throw-in like a corner. He’s at the same level as Lamine, but in defence. He’s 19 years old and can play at the highest level imaginable.”

On whether Marcus Rashford would start, considering he scored a brace in the win against Newcastle, the manager stated:

“Marcus was away for a few days and has come back strong. I haven’t decided yet, but he’s a good option.”

The manager also acknowledged the strength of the Premier League and their spending power, saying:

“It’s the best league in the world, it’s incredible, they have a lot of money and can make decisions. We are as strong as they are, and we have to play according to our philosophy and show it to the world.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo