Flick: We Need to Make Decisions, No Room for Surprises Against Benfica

The head coach of FC Barcelona, Hans Flick, made several important statements before the anticipated match against Benfica in the second leg of the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League, where he talked about the team's situation, the importance of the match, and the players' readiness.

Flick said about the match against Benfica: "Benfica is a strong team with a group of outstanding players, and they have a great coach. We need to be at our highest level of focus, and it's better not to think about the result of the first match. We must give our best to achieve victory. They have shown remarkable performances away from home in the Champions League, and we need to be cautious."

Regarding the pressure on the opponent, he said: "Everything depends on possession, whether in attack or defense. We need to press the opponent strongly, and that is the style we are trying to implement."

He continued his talk about the importance of this week, saying: "Every week is important, as was the case against Bayern Munich, then Real Madrid. We are in a great moment, the team's morale is high, and our confidence is strong, and we must maintain that until the end of the season."

When asked about Raphinha's performance and the Ballon d'Or, he said: "Raphinha is performing wonderfully, and if he continues at this level, he can definitely compete for the Ballon d'Or. He is a dynamic player, scores goals, moves intelligently, and has a strong desire to succeed. I am happy to have him with us and for his outstanding level."

He added about the team's goalkeeper Szczęsny, saying: "I have always said that Szczęsny is a mature and calm goalkeeper, with great experience, and his strong personality greatly helps the team. He is performing wonderfully and is one of the most important elements of the team."

Regarding the tactics against Benfica, he said: "We know their style of play very well, and they also know our way of playing. I do not expect any surprises in the match, but it will be a tough and intense encounter."

On the team's stance regarding qualification, he confirmed: "The team is fully focused, and during today's meeting, we reviewed what we did well in the first match and what we need to improve. No one in the team thinks that things are settled, and that is the most important thing."

Regarding Lewandowski's readiness, he said: "Lewandowski is completely ready for the match. He felt some discomfort before facing Osasuna, but he is now in good condition and can play without any problems."

He commented on the team's psychological state after losing doctor Carles, saying: "The president spoke with the players in the locker room yesterday, and I also talked to them. We lost a wonderful personality and an important doctor in the club. He was a big part of our success, and we will miss him greatly, but the team wants to fight for him. We are at an important moment, and this match means a lot to the club and the fans, and we will play with all our strength to achieve victory."

Regarding the team's preparations for the match, he said: "The team is managing the situation well, everyone is in a state of great focus. The Lisbon match was the first, and they excel in quick transitions, and we have worked on that well during training."

Barcelona will host Benfica tomorrow, Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the Montjuïc Stadium, in a strong encounter in the second leg of the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League, where the Catalan team aims to secure qualification to the quarter-finals.