Hansi Flick wants his players to revel in the “party” atmosphere inside the Barcelona dressing room that is inspiring their bid for a treble.
Barca take on Inter Milan tomorrow night in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final following the 3-3 draw in Catalonia last week.
Midfielder Dani Olmo, speaking to the media before Flick in Milan this afternoon, described a convivial atmosphere between the players and admitted: “It’s like a party. Young people don’t give the situation as much importance as they should.”
🎙️ HANSI FLICK: “When we started the season, nobody had any idea what we’d achieve up to now…We want to enjoy playing football and we want the fans to enjoy it.”#InterBarça @ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/z5aSZuKSOk
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 5, 2025
I want my players to enjoy it – Flick
Asked how he maintains such a carefree attitude among the players, Flick said: “Do you think I should put more pressure on them?
“For me, the truth is that, when we started the season, no one had any idea what we were going to achieve. We have won two titles, and now we have some important weeks and, when you play at this level, it is always like this.
“What I want to see from the dressing room is that it appreciates and enjoys all this and that it can demonstrate and show how well we can play.
“We want to enjoy how we play football and for the fans to enjoy it. I’m very happy to coach this team.”
Inter to double mark Yamal
Inter boss Simone Inzaghi said he plans to “double mark” Barca dangerman Lamine Yamal following his brilliant goal and performance in the first leg and Flick described the 17-year-old superstar as a “genius”.
The German added: “I’ve been here for eight months and, for me, the team is very important. Obviously, we have players who are exceptional and Lamine is one of them, he is a genius.
“He’s incredible and he does it at the right time. [Last] Wednesday’s game was amazing to watch. He has to show his potential. Our goal now is to reach the final and I want my players at the highest level.”
🎙️ HANSI FLICK: “Inter Milan is a strong and very experienced team, and they love to play football.”#InterBarça @ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/ZwFn3WrMsV
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 5, 2025
Martinez to return
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez is expected to return tomorrow night and Flick, who confirmed his star number nine Robert Lewandowski would only be fit enough to start on the bench, is wary of the Nerazzurri’s attacking threat.
He said: “Last Wednesday they took advantage of their opportunities.
“They are a very experienced team, very strong and they love to play. They are also very difficult to defend. Tomorrow, all the players will have to be attentive in defence.”
