Barcelona Coach Reacts Upon Learning Champions League Draw Result

Hansi Flick expresses maximum respect for Newcastle prior to the Champions League last 16, stating Barcelona must not take things lightly even though they have dodged several heavyweights in their bracket.

Coach Hansi Flick asserts that Barcelona must not underestimate Newcastle United in the Champions League round of 16, while also emphasizing that the Premier League side possesses a "fantastic squad." The German tactician also declined to discuss avoiding PSG or other former champions in the opposite half of the draw.

Barcelona understands that if they overcome Newcastle, they could face Atletico Madrid or Tottenham in the quarter-finals, while Arsenal is highly rated in the other half. Despite having beaten Newcastle 2-1 at St. James' Park in the league phase thanks to a Marcus Rashford brace, Flick remains cautious. "I am not celebrating because we didn't draw PSG. We must respect our opponent. Newcastle also wants to win the Champions League," he emphasized.

Flick believes every team competing in the Champions League is of high quality, and any opponent in the knockout stage presents a significant challenge. "If we advance, facing Atletico or Tottenham will also be very difficult. We must focus on the immediate match. This is a great opportunity, but showing respect for our opponents is mandatory," the Blaugrana's manager added.

After avoiding the playoff round, Barcelona has a two-week period without midweek matches, a rare break that allows Flick to address existing issues. He admitted the team struggled when Villarreal applied pressure and made numerous mistakes in ball control during their encounter back in December. "Ultimately, everything depends on how you play and handle duels. We have seven matches before the national team break and must start very well," Flick shared.

Assessing current form, Flick believes Barcelona still has considerable room for improvement. He stressed this is a young squad that needs confidence built from consecutive victories. With Villarreal sitting third and in stable form, Barca understands any mistake could prove costly before entering the major battle against Newcastle in the Champions League.