Flick talks Szczesny, Fermin, Olmo, Kounde, renewal ahead of Barcelona vs Inter Milan | OneFootball

There is no rest for the weary as Barcelona get set for another high-stakes encounter days after beating Real Madrid to win the Copa del Rey trophy.

The Blaugrana will host Italian heavyweights Inter Milan in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Wednesday night.

Barça go into the game with momentum on their side, whereas the Nerazzurri have lost their last three matches, putting them on the back foot.

But Barcelona manager Hansi Flick was not ready to count the opposition out, pointing out the strengths that Simone Inzaghi’s side possess in the pre-match press conference today.

“We are only focused on the first leg and that is the first part of the objective. Inter will be very difficult, they are one of the best defensive sides in Europe. They have a great midfield and great full-backs. We have to be ready,” the German noted.

On the players’ fitness levels and fatigue setting in, given the jam-packed fixture schedule, Flick remarked:

“I have seen that the players are fine. The way the game went also has an influence, but we are already focused on Inter.”

Continuing, he added: “We have the chance to reach the Champions League final. It’s the most important competition. We are in a privileged position. The training session went well and we talked about what we can do better than against Madrid.”

Ready for Inter Milan. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

When asked if he will be making any rotations tomorrow, the Barcelona boss stated: “We’ll see tomorrow. We still have one day and we will see how the players recover. When you see Inter you realise that they have had fewer hours to prepare.”

On being probed about his message to the players after the Copa del Rey final, Flick said:

“What I can say is that all the players are focused and that they want to reach the final. The win against Madrid is important for the emotions and can help us to keep pushing. I think we can reach the final. They will give everything as well.”

The Barcelona head coach also confirmed that Wojciech Szczesny will continue in goal in the UEFA Champions League despite Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s return, but hinted there may be a change in La Liga.

“Tek will play in the Champions League and maybe we change in La Liga. We will see that later, but Szczesny will play in the Champions League.”

Regarding the preparations for the Inter game, he added: “There is less and less time. We have to focus on the availability of the players. We are also focusing on tactics. Two days after recovering has been a good day for tactics.”

On how his team can stop Inter Milan tomorrow, Flick remarked: “Today we met and talked about what we have to change. In midfield, they will have five players and we will have to protect the spaces.

“For us, it’s very important to keep the ball and reduce mistakes. As well as being focused in defence.”

Regarding the Italians’ recent form and whether it will impact tomorrow’s game, Flick added:

“The Champions League is a great opportunity for Inter to win the title. It’s something completely different and it doesn’t matter the games of the past and the last defeats.”

On how he thinks Inter Milan will make up for the absence of key players like Benjamin Pavard, he noted:

“I don’t know. It’s not my job, I’m focused on my team. We have the mentality to win the first leg and be at our best.”

Flick has some key decisions to make for Inter Milan clash. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

The manager then went on to praise Fermin Lopez and stated the youngster could be an option for tomorrow, saying:

“Fermin is always an option. On Saturday we opted for Olmo, but he can start the game. He did a very good job and we need him. He always gives his maximum and he is at a very good level.”

Flick also had praise for key defender Jules Kounde, as he said: “Jules is a very professional player. Not only was it the goal, but he defended very well.

“Against Madrid, he stopped his opponent, Bellingham. I was surprised by his quick anticipation. He is a very important player.”

Amid reports that an agreement has been reached for his contract renewal until 2027, Flick refused to comment on the matter, stating:

“I think I will coach the team next year, yes. I have a contract until the end of next season, I am very happy and I love this team. It’s not the right time and it’s not the time to talk about it. We don’t focus on what will happen in the future.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo