Flick: We have the quality to win the UEFA Champions League, and this is the situation with De Jong

Hans Flick, the head coach of FC Barcelona, spoke about his team's ambitions before facing Feyenoord in the first round of the group stage of the UEFA Champions League, scheduled to take place at Spotify Camp Nou. During the press conference, he touched on the competition for the title, the condition of several of his players, as well as the playing style and competition within the team.

Speaking about winning the UEFA Champions League, Flick said: "I think big clubs dream of this in the end. We have the quality to win it, but the road is long."

In the competition for the LaLiga title, he stated: "It's part of our dream and our goal, and we want to win another title, the third, it would be great."

Regarding the team's readiness and the atmosphere within the group, he continued: "It seems that everything is going well, but I believe there is a lot of quality and communication, and they are united and connected. It is essential to talk on the pitch. I see that everyone is ready."

Regarding the competition within the team, Flick continued: "We have many experienced players. Everyone is responsible for winning everything. Not everything is easy after winning the four matches. There are players who are not happy, but they have to prove every day that these are their moments. Our level is the level of training."

Regarding the management of players who do not participate, he added: "It is not easy to please everyone, but it is part of our job. I am the one who decides who starts. I talk with my colleagues. We decide on the best lineup. I try to talk to the players and explain things to those who do not participate."

Speaking about Lamine Yamal, Flick stated: "He is a player who can decide matches on his own and possesses immense quality. He loves to develop. What I also see now is his responsibility as a leader. He enjoys football and delivers his best performances."

On Anthony Gordon, he confirmed: "I think as a striker he wants to score, and it's natural to miss chances. But he provides the final pass and creates goals. He will score, and that doesn't worry me. He is performing well in both defense and attack."

Speaking about FC Barcelona's playing style, Flick said: "We adapt to the opponent if necessary. This has given us good results. We faced difficulties against Atlético, but you need all players to be in good shape. We must continue with the approach of the last four matches."

Regarding Bessio, he added: "He will not be part of the team tomorrow. He has trained well, he will train with us, but he will play with FC Barcelona 'B'. He has potential in defense and attack."

Regarding the Ballon d'Or, he stated: "We have many great players, and I would be happy if one of them won it. We will see, but the most important thing is their mentality; there are several players who can win it."

Regarding officiating and refereeing decisions, he continued: "This is not my job. The quality and level of referees are very good in the UEFA Champions League and LaLiga. It is not always easy for them to handle everything, and they should be supported; I always try to keep my calm."

Regarding Frenkie de Jong, Flick confirmed: "He has great quality. He needs to recover. The progress of his injury is going according to plan. He might return after the break. We'll see. I spoke to him this morning, and he is fine."