Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has sent a clear message to his team ahead of their crucial Champions League clash against Bayern Munich: the past is irrelevant. The German giants have dominated their recent meetings with Barcelona, winning the last six encounters and leaving the Catalans scoreless in the last four. This includes the infamous 8-2 thrashing in the 2020 Champions League quarter-finals when Flick was at the helm of Bayern.
However, Flick, who has quickly transformed Barcelona since arriving in Spain this summer, is focused on the present and the opportunity to prove his team’s mettle against one of Europe’s best. “The past doesn’t matter, the present is what’s important,” Flick told reporters. “Whatever happened in the past we can’t change, we can only influence what happens tomorrow. Of course we want to try and beat Bayern Munich.”
The match against Bayern is a significant test for Barcelona, who currently sit atop the Spanish La Liga table. They face another formidable opponent in Real Madrid just a few days later, making this week a crucial period for Flick’s team.
Despite his past success with Bayern, Flick remains grounded, acknowledging the German club’s current strength. “Bayern are a team in good form with a lot of confidence, they’re a top, top team with great players,” he said. “We want to test ourselves against the best – it’s a Champions League game against Bayern Munich, it’s going to be great.”
While he cherishes his time with Bayern, Flick is focused on his new chapter at Barcelona. “(I had) a great time there, with great memories, but I’m living a new chapter now at Barca.”
With Barcelona aiming to reclaim their Champions League glory, this match against Bayern Munich presents a chance to make a statement on the world stage. Flick, with his winning mentality and experience, will be aiming to guide his team to victory, proving that the past is indeed just that – the past.