oi-Soumyaroop Mukherjee

Barcelona vs Newcastle: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s talisman winger, is fit and ready for the second leg of the UEFA Champions League against Newcastle United, which is set to take place at Camp Nou. Head coach Hansi Flick had rested the right-winger in the massive 5-2 win of the Catalan giants over Sevilla. This had spread speculations of a possible knock to Yamal ahead of the all-important second leg clash.

“He’s fine. He’s the player who can make a difference. He trained fantastically yesterday. The team did too. Today as well. The Champions League is one of the best competitions; everyone wants to play there, and it’s an extra motivation for the players,” Flick said in his press conference ahead of the Newcastle clash.

Flick Confident Of UCL Win

Barcelona remains one of the favourites to clinch the title this season. The Blaugrana had a phenomenal run in the Champions League and are poised to edge past arch-rivals Real Madrid in La Liga. Flick showed this exuberant confidence as he said, “I believe we’re capable of winning this Champions League. We need to improve, but the important thing is that everyone is available and at their best, looking ahead to next month.”

Barca last lifted the Champions League way back in 2015 when Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta were still in the fray for the Catalan giant. Since then, the top European trophy has eluded them. But now with a fresh crop of players like Lamine Yamal, Gavi and Pedri, Barca will fancy their chances once again to lay their hands on the coveted trophy.

Will Flick Quit Coaching After Barcelona?

Hansi Flick has also indicated that he will quit coaching after his tenure at Barcelona is completed. Flick is currently under Barca’s contract until 2027, but newly re-elected president Joan Laporta has expressed his intention to extend the deal by another year. The German manager has also made it clear that he is fully committed to Barcelona and hopes to see out his managerial career with the club.

“I don’t think it’s the right time. We have a very important match. Everyone knows I’m very happy here, but I need to talk to my family. There will be time to talk, it’s not the time now,” Flick said, while responding to talks on extending his contract ahead of the Champions League game.

“It’s clear that I love working here. The most important thing, what I feel, is that I have a great family here. I have the support of Barcelona, but this is football. I’m here to help reach the highest level, but there’s still time. I’m not thinking about going anywhere else. This will be my last club, my last job, and I’m delighted,” the German added.

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