Hansi Flick emphasizes need for on-field leaders to achieve Barcelona's Champions League aspirations

Flick, 61, made these comments a week after his team was eliminated from the Champions League quarter-finals by Atletico Madrid, marking the second consecutive season his Champions League hopes were ended. Last season, Barcelona reached the semi-finals before being defeated by Inter Milan. Flick led Barcelona to a domestic double last term, and they are currently nine points ahead of Real Madrid with seven games remaining in the league.

He noted that having all players available during the crucial March and April period is vital, mentioning the absence of Frenkie de Jong and Raphinha against Atletico. Flick highlighted the importance of players like Inigo Martinez, who provided leadership last year, and stressed the need for players capable of speaking up and guiding the team in key Champions League matches. He also acknowledged the team's youth, largely composed of academy graduates, and their need to learn from defeats to progress.

Flick expressed confidence in the team's future and the necessity of making correct decisions, particularly in the transfer market, though he did not elaborate on specific recruitment plans or his own future, only stating his hope for a contract extension in what he considers his "last job".