Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is calling on his team to "step up" this Wednesday in their Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund, a competition he describes as being on "another level" and particularly motivating for his players.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference at Signal Iduna Park, Flick acknowledged the difficulty of securing a win at Dortmund's fortress. Despite the challenge, he expressed confidence in his players’ ability to stay "fully focused" and turn things around after their recent poor run in LaLiga EA Sports, where they’ve only managed five points from their last 15.

Learning from Mistakes

Flick emphasized the need to learn from recent errors. "Dropping two points against Betis was painful, but I believe this team has what it takes to succeed," he stated. Despite Dortmund’s unbeaten home record this season, Flick is optimistic, pointing to Barcelona’s big wins earlier in the campaign—like the 0-4 against Real Madrid and 4-1 against Bayern Munich—as proof of the team’s capabilities.

The Return of Ronald Araujo

All eyes will be on Ronald Araujo, who is back in the squad after five months sidelined with a muscle injury. While Flick didn’t confirm if Araujo would play, he highlighted the defender’s importance: "Having him back is a big boost. His strength, winning mentality, and ability to inspire his teammates are vital."

Lewandowski and De Jong in Focus

Flick also addressed the form of Robert Lewandowski, who will face his former club. "We need Robert, and he needs the team. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship, and working together has been a joy," Flick remarked.

He also praised Frenkie de Jong, defending the Dutchman amid recent criticism. "Frenkie is a top professional who gives his all in training. His commitment is unquestionable," Flick concluded. Barcelona faces a tough test, but the confidence and focus Flick exudes might just be the spark they need to reignite their season.