Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has praised the atmosphere awaiting his side at St James’ Park ahead of their Champions League opener against Newcastle United. Speaking in the pre-game interview, as revealed by the club’s official website, the German coach described the venue as one of the best atmospheres in the Premier League while also highlighting the intensity and dynamism of Eddie Howe’s team.
For Flick, this match is about moving forward after last season’s painful late defeat to Inter. However, he pointed to the recent 6-nil victory over Valencia as proof of his squad’s progress. Softfootball reports that he also praised Raphinha as a key player who drives the team’s pressing while expressing hope that Marcus Rashford could replicate his fine form in England.
He Said:
It’s one of the best, maybe the best atmosphere here in the Premier League, and I expect really a strong team, a tall team, with high intensity, with a lot of dynamism
It’s all about learning and also getting better every day. the recent match against Valencia was a marker, everyone wants to show how good he is and we have a really young team, with three players out.
Raphinha is one of our key players. He starts the press and the dynamic for the whole team and this is really good to see. Rashford is returning to his country to play and he can show in England the same performance he did on Sunday.
Softfootball reported in the game’s review that the Catalan giants are slight favourites for the encounter, and Danish defender Andreas Christensen underlined Barcelona’s hunger to compete for Europe’s top prize.
Barcelona even posted a video via the team’s official X account asking fans across the world if they are ready for the big clash.
Watch the video below:
Speaking ahead of what will be his fourth season at the club, the centre-back said the Champions League remains a huge ambition. Andres Christensen, who knows the atmosphere at St James’ Park from his Chelsea days, also stressed the importance of focus and with competition for places within the team still fierce, Christensen insisted the squad is united and motivated.
He stated:
It’s one of the best atmosphere, if not the best but we have to be very focused; it’s something that they feed on for a big part of the game.
We have to play our game and believe in our qualities. I feel very good, and the physios are doing a great job, the team is in good shape and ready to rumble. everyone at the moment is playing well, and it’s about being ready when you’re called upon. I think it’s special every season” but we are more hungry because of the way it ended last season, almost reaching the final. so winning the Champions League is a big goal for this season. This team wants to win everything and the first step is at St James’ Park.
Barcelona now begin their European campaign determined to erase past disappointments and take the first step toward their biggest goal: lifting the Champions League trophy.
