Hansi Flick says Barcelona’s defensive line is now on “another level” as the team prepares for a crucial Champions League clash with Eintracht Frankfurt.
BARCELONA: Coach Hansi Flick declared his Barcelona team’s defending has reached a new level after a run of positive results.
The Catalans have secured three consecutive victories following a 3-0 Champions League defeat by Chelsea in late November.
Barcelona now face Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday as they battle for a top-eight finish in the competition’s league phase.
Key players returning from injury helped secure a 3-1 win over Atletico Madrid and a 5-3 victory against Real Betis last week.
“Everyone knows what happened in the last three months, a lot of injuries, very important players out,” Flick told a news conference.
He acknowledged conceding three goals against Betis but praised his team’s execution of the high defensive line system.
“The last 10 minutes, they were exhausted,” reasoned Flick, referencing a similar 3-3 draw with Club Brugge in November.
“I said this morning to them, the (back) line is doing really good, we’re getting pressure on the ball, we are connected.”
“And the (high) line, they play it on another level than maybe one month, five weeks ago.”
The win over Betis sent Barcelona four points clear at the top of La Liga ahead of the Frankfurt clash.
The German side inflicted a humiliating Europa League elimination on Barcelona at Camp Nou in 2022.
Barcelona have restricted ticket access for the match to avoid a repeat of Frankfurt fans dominating the reopened stadium.
The club has since recovered strongly, reaching the Champions League semi-finals last season.
Tuesday’s match will be Barcelona’s first Champions League game at Camp Nou since October 2022.
“For everyone it was a dream to come back and play in Camp Nou,” said Flick.
“It’s also important for the Champions League. It’s a really important match for us tomorrow.”
Flick confirmed goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen may return from injury but stated Joan Garcia “is number one”.
Frankfurt arrive after a 6-0 Bundesliga thrashing by RB Leipzig, sitting seventh domestically and 28th in the Champions League table.
Their playmaker Mario Gotze, who worked with Flick for Germany, praised the coach’s “very attacking brand” of football.
Gotze said the 2022 victory would have no bearing on Tuesday’s encounter at Camp Nou.
“Every match is new and starts from scratch,” said the 33-year-old. “You can hardly draw conclusions from the past.” – AFP
