Flick talks Raphinha, Rodri, De Jong, Kounde, Luis Enrique, Alex Campos ahead of PSG vs Barcelona

Flick talks Raphinha, Rodri, De Jong, Kounde, Luis Enrique, Alex Campos ahead of PSG vs Barcelona It will be a clash of the heavyweights tomorrow night at Parc des Princes as FC Barcelona lock horns with Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League. The Blaugrana go into the game on the back of an exceptional 11-game winning streak across all competitions this season. PSG, meanwhile, are the best team in Europe, having won the UEFA Champions League for two seasons in a row, setting up a mouthwatering contest. Ahead of the exciting match-up in Paris, Barça manager Hansi Flick spoke to the media, praising his opposite number Luis Enrique, while also discussing Barcelona’s defensive options amidst a spate of injuries. Hailing the job Luis Enrique has done at PSG in recent seasons, Flick remarked: “He won two Champions Leagues in a row. His team plays fantastic football. He’s an excellent coach, one of the best in the world.” “I like their dynamism, their intensity, how they press, how they play and rotate. The players change positions frequently. They’re very flexible. I love it. It’s incredible how this team has evolved. He’s doing a fantastic job.” Flick was full of praise for Luis Enrique’s PSG. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) On how this match is a test for Barcelona and where they stand in Europe, the manager added: “It will be a good test for us to see where we stand. I’d like my team to play with confidence, courage, and together, as we have in recent matches. “We’re playing against arguably the best team in the world over the last two years. It’s a good opportunity to show our level and see what we can improve. After the match, we’ll know a lot.” On injuries and availability Barcelona go into the game without both Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia, while Andreas Christensen is also unavailable. On top of that, Gerard Martin’s availability also remains uncertain. As such, Flick was asked about Barça’s defensive options for the game tomorrow, to which he replied: “We have options. Rodri and Frenkie can play. Àlex Campos is with us; he’s trained with us for the first time. I’m positive. It’s not the best time for us, but we have to accept it.” Providing an update on Kounde’s condition, he offered an optimistic outlook, saying: “Jules will be back soon; maybe he’ll be an option for the weekend. We have to wait and see.” Flick also confirmed that captain and top goalscorer Raphinha is ready to start the game after having returned from an injury over the weekend. “Yes, he can be a starter,” he said. On Barça’s style and PSG’s evolution Barcelona came up short against PSG during last season in the league phase of the Champions League. Discussing what the difference between the team from last year and the current one was, Flick explained: “Last year was difficult. This year, we’ve played from the start with the style we want and expect from the team. We have a lot of confidence on the ball, we create a lot of chances. It’s completely different. “Tomorrow is just one game, one day. We’ll see what happens. We’re ready. All the players are happy to face PSG , which is an excellent team with a great footballing philosophy.”  Talking about the team’s approach and playing with a high defensive line, Flick noted: “Playing with a high defensive line is always a risk, but the key is how we react and press when we lose possession, how we maintain distance between us, and if we do that well, there’s a huge advantage to playing with a high defensive line. “We’ve only had one clean sheet, but we’ve scored a lot of goals.” Flick could record his 100th win with Barcelona tomorrow. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) On what he felt the difference was between Barça and PSG, he added: “They’re more mature. They’ve improved together in recent years. What they’ve achieved is incredible. “In their last league match, they turned the game around in the last ten minutes. They have a lot of quality, also on the bench. They’re an impressive team.”  Talking about the midfield duel that could decide tomorrow’s match, he stated: “The midfield is important; it’s the strongest part of the game, and both teams have fantastic, high-quality midfielders. Possession of the ball, if you have it, can’t guarantee a goal, but that’s when you can make mistakes, and PSG ‘s transition is one of their strengths. Don’t make mistakes, play bravely and with great focus.” Tomorrow’s game will also be a special one for Flick as he could record his 100th win as Barcelona manager. “For me, when I started here with my staff, I believed we were ready and embarked on a great journey, and so far, the way things are going and the path we’re on, I really appreciate it,” he said. Expressing gratitude towards the fans, he added: “I really appreciate the respect and affection we feel from the Barça fans, from Barcelona , ​​from the people; it’s incredible. But it’s also because of the way we play, the mentality and the attitude of the team.” Highlighting the team, he continued: “Of course, there’s quality, and it’s about winning. When you win, everyone is happy, and I’m very proud of them because what they’re doing and what they’ve done in the last two weeks is incredible. “We’re coming off a long World Cup, and everyone is thinking about giving their all despite perhaps not being at 100%, and it’s incredible to see how they train, how they act together, that atmosphere—it’s incredible. “And that’s what you need in a team: the atmosphere, the quality of the training, the attitude has to be at the highest level, and that’s what I see and feel now, and I’m very grateful.” On being asked about Arda Guler’s foul during Real Madrid’s win over Sevilla which went unpunished, Flick gave a pointed reply, saying: “That’s not a question for me; you have to ask someone else about that situation. I saw it, but I don’t want to answer.” On which game was important – tomorrow’s against PSG or the Clasico at the weekend, he firmly said: “Always the next game, tomorrow’s game.” Source: Mundo Deportivo