Flick: Our Goal Is to Present the Best Version of the Team Against Chelsea

Hans Flick, the head coach of FC Barcelona, held his press conference on Monday ahead of his team's match against Chelsea in the fifth round of the UEFA Champions League group stage, scheduled to take place tomorrow, Tuesday, at Stamford Bridge at 10 PM Cairo time.

Regarding the importance of winning the match, Flick said: "Our goal is to qualify among the top eight teams, but we know it’s not easy. Last season showed us that even if you’re not among the top eight, you can still win the Champions League. What matters is that we give our best version and play at the highest level because it’s the Champions League. Playing against Chelsea is great; I have wonderful memories here, and I hope tomorrow will be another special day."

Regarding Eric Garcia and his position, he said: "He might return to playing in midfield. We have several options in that position, and Eric could be one of them. We'll see tomorrow. He performed excellently against Athletic Bilbao, recovering many balls and creating chances. I am very happy with him."

Regarding the results and the team's level: "No one can choose when the right time for a match like this is; every game is different. I am very happy to play against Chelsea because we can show how strong we are. It's a good test. The team has improved a lot in recent weeks, and several players are returning. Frenkie is back, Marcos has returned, Rafa will get more minutes, and I hope Pedri will come back by the weekend. And of course, Juan Garcia is back as well, which is good news. We always train with high focus, but we have to prove it in the match."

Regarding the injuries: "I don't read much, but what I can say is that I'm not angry with our medical staff. We have a great team with a lot of experience. As for Raphinha, in this case, we made mistakes—everyone makes mistakes, but that's normal; we are human. However, we trust all the members of the staff. The rest is just noise."

About Marcus Rashford: "I am very happy for Marcus. He has recovered from a cold and is doing well. Tomorrow, I will decide whether he will start the match or come off the bench, but I am glad to have him with us on the team, playing for Barça. I have followed his entire career, and he always impresses me with his quality and what he can do in the final third. He is showing that here at Barcelona. This is a new chapter for him, in a new football environment, at Barcelona, with a good climate. It's wonderful to always see him smiling. The atmosphere we have here is very good for him."

About Rafinha: "We are taking it step by step with Rafinha. What matters to me is that he has returned. As for the minutes and playing time, we will decide later. He has suffered two injuries, which is not good at this time, so we will be cautious. I am very happy about his return because as soon as he played on Saturday, we saw the difference: the dynamism and the creation of space. I am very happy to have him with us."

Regarding Mariska's praise of Barcelona under Guardiola's leadership: "They are active with the ball, and so are we. They want to press, and so do we. Both teams want the ball. As for Pep, when you watch Barcelona during his era, everyone was fascinated by that team. Everyone was observing their style—how they played and how they trained. When Guardiola went to Germany, I wouldn't say we copied him, but we took a look at his style. He paved the right way for many coaches to train or establish a philosophy. Everything is always different because it can't be copied. He is amazing and the best coach, and what Mariska said is true—many coaches have followed this approach."

About Lewandowski: "Before his injury in October, everyone was surprised by how he started, then he came back brilliantly and showed that in every match. Currently, he has the luck needed to score, and he also has a passion for scoring. It is very important for us to have a player like him; he gives the team what it needs at the right moment."

Regarding Chelsea and the match tactics: "We always adapt to the opponent. We know how we want to play, but we also understand what is required depending on the opponent. It's always like that; we don't approach every match in the same way. Every match is different."