Barcelona has completely changed me, admits the German Hansi Flick speaking openly on the eve of the Champions League 3rd round match at home against Olympiacos.
And can Flick change Barcelona?
The former Bayern coach returned the Catalans to supremacy last season - Barca dominated the championship, winning everything available on the domestic stage, but his mission will not be complete without the Champions League trophy. Barca have been dreaming of it for a whole decade - since 2015, when the current European champion won it. Luis Enrique, now coach of Paris Saint-Germain. Last season, he unexpectedly lost to Inter in the semi-finals.
Barcelona has an imperative to win against Olympiacos at Montjuic tonight (18.45), considering that they lost their last match, at home to PSG, they are now in 16th place in the bulky table of 36 teams.
Announcing the match with the Greeks, Flick spoke about his outburst of emotion that cost him a sending-off in Saturday's tough Catalan derby win against Girona (2:1, goal Rule in compensation).
"I'm not more nervous than before, maybe my emotions are not the same as before," Flik said at a press conference on Monday.
"I remember when I was coaching Bayern Munich, there was a picture of us beating Barcelona 8-2 in the Champions League semi-finals, and I didn't laugh once at those eight goals."
He's laughing on the Barça bench - and more than that.
"I have more emotions now, this club has completely changed me. What I can say is that I love this club, I love Barcelona, I love the people here, I feel incredibly good. And I give my all for this club," the 60-year-old German said.
Against Girona, he received a second yellow card in injury time, celebrating his goal with a strange gesture.
"Honestly, I don't like these things when I see myself on TV, and I don't like my grandchildren to see their grandfather like that, so maybe I need to change my behavior."
Flick received a penalty that will keep him from sitting on the bench in the next round of El Clasico against Real Madrid, but Barcelona has appealed.
"I had nothing against the referee, I didn't complain about him, but that's how he saw it and I have to accept it," Flik said.
"I love seeing this kind of spirit. We're a young team that needs this."
Barça is also in an injury crisis, especially with key players. Jamal returned, but Lewandowski still lurking, just like Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, absent for a long time Gavi...
Arsenal and Atletico Madrid are playing perhaps the most interesting match of tonight's program. The Gunners are shining in the Premier League - they are first in the standings, even though it's only the beginning of the season, they are considered the most serious candidate for the title, but they are not neglecting the Champions League either.
Team Mikel Arteta He wants to take a step forward compared to last season, and last year he played in the semi-finals...
"I like it when I see energy, commitment and temperament in my team, not just quality. That gives me confidence that we can go all the way. It's just a feeling, but the next day you have to prove it on the pitch," says Arteta.
And the next day - Atletico Madrid arrives, who have gone six matches without defeat, achieving four victories, since their last defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League.
They arrive at the Emirates with three points - half as many as Arsenal have.
"Diego Simeone "He's someone I admire. What he's done since he came to Atletico is extraordinary, and not just what he's done - but the way he's done it. The identity he's created, the way he transmits energy. And look, he's been doing it for 14 years," Arteta praised his Atletico bench colleague.
PSG are visiting Leverkusen, and coach Enrique will welcome the "Golden Ball" to the team. Ousmane Dembele, who recovered from injury.
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