“It’s a different competition. We’re playing against the best in the world. PSG has a great coach and great players. It’s a great challenge,” Flick said.
Both clubs have been hit by injury problems ahead of the encounter. Barcelona will be without Fermin Lopez, Joan Garcia, and Gavi, while
PSG are missing key names such as Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Marquinhos, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
On this subject, Flick admitted,
“It’s part of our job. We have to know how to manage injuries. This is the situation.”
Despite the setbacks, Flick expressed confidence in his squad depth.
“It’s not that I haven’t found the right formula; it’s because I have confidence in the whole team, and there’s a lot of quality. It’s good that it’s like this.
“You see all the injuries there are, and PSG too. We have to manage it well.
“We’re missing important players in midfield, but we have to have confidence in the young players.”
On Wojciech Szczesny, Flick added,
“He’s a player with whom we won three titles last season. He’s ready, of course.”
When asked about Barça’s desire for revenge after last year’s painful defeat, Flick kept his focus on the present,
“We are Barça and we’re always among the favourites, but the road is very long and we have to work hard.
“We don’t look at the past; everything has changed: PSG, the players, Barça… We don’t look at the past.”
The German also highlighted Pedri’s importance.
“He’s one of the captains, and in his position, he should be one of the leaders.
“I also listen to his opinion, and we talk a lot. It’s important to hear different perspectives.”
Finally, on Marcus Rashford’s adaptation to La Liga, Flick noted,
“The Newcastle game was important for his confidence.
“It’s not easy coming from the Premier League and playing in La Liga; everything is different. He’s doing a great job.”