Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick says he will have to “teach some of the players” greater leadership in crucial matches as the La Liga leaders prepare to return to action at home to Celta Vigo following their “very painful” Champions League exit.
Five-time European champions Barca suffered a surprise 2-0 home defeat to Atletico Madrid in their Champions League quarter-final first leg, going out 3-2 on aggregate after the fourth-placed team in the top flight held off their comeback attempt in the return contest.
“We have a young team and the elimination really hurt a lot,” reflected Flick. “We have to give everything for the fans.
“Everyone is proud of the team. It’s painful but it gives us energy. We need players who can lead the team on the pitch.
“It’s not just about talking in training, but also about showing up on the pitch in a semi-final or a quarter-final. We need players who demonstrate where to go on the pitch.”
Hansi Flick: Why Barcelona ‘isn’t just about winning’
With seven matches of the Liga season remaining, Barca are nine points clear of second-placed Real Madrid, who they host on May 10 (20:00 BST).
“That’s for you to decide,” Flick replied when he was asked whether winning La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup would constitute a successful season.
“It’s a good situation for the team; it’s not just about titles, it’s about how we play football. The fans and the club are happy with how we’re doing.
“The president [Joan Laporta] gave me a letter and told me that what’s important isn’t just winning, but also the style of play.”
Flick reiterated that his current role will be his last before the 61-year-old retires, naming his remaining ambitions with the club as the “big dream” of winning the Champions League and being in charge when the Camp Nou reopens fully, which is projected for April 2027.
“We have to make good decisions,” said the German. “We have to make the right decisions in the transfer market.
“I like how things work here; it’s a great family. We have a lot of energy in the team despite being eliminated from the Champions League.”
Here are the youngest average starting ages of teams in La Liga this season, according to Transfermarkt.
| Club | Age |
|---|---|
| Barcelona | 24.5 |
| Real Madrid | 24.9 |
| Real Sociedad | 25.6 |
| Levante | 25.7 |
| Celta Vigo | 25.8 |
Barcelona vs Celta Vigo: Madrid ‘will fight until end’
Sixth-placed Celta Vigo would overtake Real Betis with victory but have lost four of their last five matches in all competitions.
“Now we want to win La Liga, but it’s not over yet,” said Flick. “We have an advantage. La Liga is very difficult, and it’s not going to be easy.
“We have to play and we want to do our best and offer our best football, like we did against Atletico.
“It’s going to be tough until the very end; Madrid will fight until the end.”
Roony Bardghji: Barcelona plan talks with Lamine Yamal understudy
Flick said 20-year-old winger Roony Bardghji’s “situation isn’t easy” after the Sweden international remained an unused substitute for multiple league matches for the first time since November and December.
“He’s hoping for more playing time, but sometimes that’s how it goes,” Flick said, calling the prospect “a fantastic professional”.
“We have Lamine [Yamal] in that position… right now, we also need him on the pitch. Roony is fantastic and I’ve spoken with him and explained his situation.
“He’s playing with the best in the world and he’s improved a lot, and we’ll talk at the end of the season; there are still games to play.
“[The players are] all important, and we need them all to be better.”
When is Barcelona vs Celta Vigo? Where to watch, TV channel, live stream
Barcelona vs Celta Vigo starts at 20:30 BST / 15:30 ET / 12:30 PT on Wednesday, with live coverage in the UK on Premier Sports 1 and streaming available on a vast range of devices via the Premier Sports app.
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