#hansi-flick

#hansi-flick

Xavi Espart has a lot of confidence. It's incredible that at 18 years old he's already played two Champions League matches and his level in La Liga... He needs the right attitude and mentality. For tomorrow, he's a good option for us.

Barcelona smashed seven goals past Newcastle in the Champions League on Wednesday night to book their place in the quarter-finals of the competition. Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha were all on target as Hansi Flick's side once again demonstrated their attacking power.

We want to renew his contract until 2028, giving him a year's grace period each year. He's in favour, and we'll announce the agreement shortly because he's very happy here. It's a decision made by Hansi, Yuste, and Deco.

Lewandowski's priority is to continue at Barcelona, even if it means making significant personal sacrifices. Despite being in the latter stages of his career, the Polish forward is not looking for a final big payday elsewhere. Instead, he is open to reducing his salary and even accepting a more limited role within the squad, which is a clear indication of his desire to remain part of the project under Hansi Flick.

I do not hide this. Flick was the person who changed me. Not the mentality because I've always had it, but he changed my belief of knowing where I could get. [He showed me] Where I could get as a player and how to evolve as a person. I always say it, he changed everything for me and I don't hide.

No. These things happen. Now is a good time for them [Lewy and Torres] to improve. From what I've seen in training, we're on the right track. We have played four games in the last 11 days and the options to make changes are limited. In addition, some players returned from injury. We need a little more time.

100% focused on the match. Then this week we have three more matches. Our goal is to play these three matches at home and win each one. Sevilla has strengths; they beat us, they press high... we want to win.

The two times I've watched Barcelona this season: Chelsea away and Newcastle, I think that the tempo and intensity of the Premier League is too much for them. They will probably go through in Barcelona, but they didn't really dictate the game at all.

That's why I say putting Barça in the hands of Víctor Font is reckless. He's a technocrat who hides behind a computer. He would ruin us because he has no sporting or economic plan. His social plan is a copy of what we have been doing for the last five years. He peddles lies and has been putting obstacles in our way for years.

Despite only having 20 minutes on the pitch at St. James' Park, the Catalan midfielder proved decisive in the final play of the game. In Prague on January 21st, he entered with less than half an hour remaining and the score tied at 2-2. With his very first touch, he unleashed a spectacular strike into the top corner to secure a 3-2 victory.

We didn't play well with the ball, we lost possession too often, which is what Newcastle want. We knew that when they pass the ball, they are very quick. It wasn't easy, but I'm very happy with my team, especially the defence; we defended very well on the pitch.

I've improved a lot since Hansi arrived. I think he's helped me develop many aspects of my game. And I think I'm having a good season with him. He's a very demanding coach, but also very approachable. He's helped me with decision-making and also with scoring goals, always staying focused during the game, and also in defence. I think he's helped me in almost every aspect as a player.

When I see Xavi play, I really like his confidence with the ball; he reminds me of Lahm, who can play as a defensive midfielder or a right-back. I like watching him with and without the ball. [He and Álvaro Cortés] have already trained with us. I'm looking forward to seeing them play.

We played a spectacular game. We came close to reaching the Cup final, but I think both the team and the fans have confidence in our style of play. I think this will also give us more strength for what is to come.