Barcelona coach Hansi Flick challenged his players to show they can compete with Europe’s best by beating Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday to extend their perfect start to the season.
Barça have won 11 matches in a row to kick off the new campaign, scoring 48 goals in the process, but that streak will be put to the test by back-to-back European champions PSG at the Parc des Princes.
Both teams have won their opening two games in the Champions League, although PSG’s 4-2 win at Manchester City last week demonstrated they are still the team to beat in Europe.
“It will be a good test for us to show how far we are,” Flick said in the pre-game news conference on Monday.
“I would like my team to play with confidence, play brave and, of course, play together as a team. We did it in the last 11 games; now we play against, if you see the last two years, the best team in the world.
“For us, it’s a good opportunity to show our level, show what we can do and [see] what we have to improve. After this match, we will also know a lot of things.”
The two teams met in the league phase last season, with PSG running out 2-1 winners in Barcelona.
Flick acknowledges the French champions remain the more mature side, but feels Barça, who have not won the Champions League since 2015, pose a completely different proposition to the team they were 12 months ago.
“For me, last season was a difficult year, a difficult season,” he added.
“This year, we play from the beginning the style we want and expect to play. We have confidence with the ball and create a lot of chances… I think it’s totally different.
“But this is just one game against a fantastic team with an excellent coach in Luis Enrique. They have more maturity [than us]. The last years, they improve together as a team, what they achieve together is amazing.”
Flick confirmed that Raphinha, who returned from a hamstring injury as a substitute in the weekend’s win at Real Betis, “can start” in Paris, but lamented the team’s lack of defenders.
Andreas Christensen, Jules Koundé and Eric García will all miss the game, with Gerard Martín also a minor doubt after picking up a knock against Betis.
Pau Cubarsí, therefore, is the only centre-back guaranteed to be available for the tie, although Flick says he has other options in the squad.
“Rodri can play there, also Frenkie [de Jong] and Álex Campos is with us from the B team,” the German coach said.
“I am positive, I hope that everything goes well. It’s not the best moment for us, but we have to accept it.”
