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La Liga or Champions League? This is what’s most important for Flick and Barcelona
Hansi Flick’s top priority
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has made it clear that the “most important” title of the season is La Liga, although he’s also pointed out that a positive result against Atalanta and finishing second in the Champions League group stage would leave them "in a good position" to tackle a competition that, as he put it, "is very hard to win."
From the press room at the Ciutat Esportiva, the German coach warned his players about the dangers of the Italian team, known for their constant pressing and "very fast" transitions. "The Atalanta is a dangerous team, and we must be prepared," said Flick.
Respect for Gasperini and his style
Flick also praised his counterpart on the Atalanta bench, Gian Piero Gasperini, highlighting his great work: "I have a lot of respect for Gasperini. His work is incredible. He’s been with Atalanta for 8 years, and I like the way his teams play. Atalanta scores a lot of goals," said the German coach.
Atalanta will arrive at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys without their forward Ademola Lookman, a significant absence. However, Flick doesn’t believe this setback will change the Italians' playing style: "When you miss such an important player, it affects you. But Gasperini knows his team very well, and I don’t think it’ll change much. He has very well-trained automatisms," he explained.
Tough decisions for the starting lineup
Regarding the lineup, Wojciech Szczesny, who started against Benfica and Valencia, seems to have the starting spot locked down again over Iñaki Peña. Flick admitted this is one of the "toughest decisions" he’s had to make since taking over as coach of Barcelona.
"I know that when I say something good about Tek (the nickname for Szczesny), it means Iñaki has a weakness in that sense. My job is to make a decision in this position. Tek has experience and personality, and both are good goalkeepers. Iñaki has done a good job, but now I’ve decided on Tek," said the German coach.
Optimism and confidence in the squad
On another note, Flick also praised Frenkie de Jong, who has significantly improved in the first month of the year, excelling both in the '6' and '8' positions. When asked about the possibility of strengthening the squad in the winter transfer window, Flick said he is happy "with the team, the players, and the atmosphere" in the locker room, which gives him optimism. "I think we can be successful," he concluded.