Flick Eager for Kovac Reunion in UCL Quarter-Final Showdown
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Synopsis
FC Barcelona's Hansi Flick looks forward to reuniting with Borussia Dortmund's Niko Kovac in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. The teams last met in the league where Barcelona won 3-2. Flick praises Kovac’s coaching and acknowledges the changes at Dortmund, highlighting their impressive form and depth.
Key Takeaways
- Hansi Flick anticipates meeting Niko Kovac.
- The match is crucial in the UEFA Champions League.
- Barcelona won the previous encounter 3-2.
- Dortmund has undergone significant changes since their last meeting.
- Flick respects Kovac’s coaching abilities and Dortmund’s strength.
Barcelona, April 8 (NationPress) FC Barcelona’s head coach Hansi Flick is eagerly anticipating his reunion with Borussia Dortmund’s Niko Kovac as the two clubs are set to face off at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys this Thursday (IST) in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.
The teams previously met in the league stage, where Barcelona triumphed with a score of 3-2. Since that encounter, many changes have occurred at Dortmund, notably on the coaching front, with Nuri Sahin being replaced by Kovac, who shares a well-established history with Flick from their time together at Bayern Munich during the 2019-2020 season.
“I have reflected on this a lot. It’s a plus that I know Niko and he can assist us. Our objective is to prepare thoroughly. Niko is an excellent coach and a great individual, and I am looking forward to seeing him again,” remarked Flick.
“Dortmund is a formidable team. Niko will field a strong lineup. They have a solid defense, and I send my best wishes to their injured players. They possess remarkable talent, and although it’s unfortunate for them, they have ample depth to compensate,” Flick shared at the pre-game press conference.
“Their confidence has shifted. The outcomes they’ve achieved in the Champions League and Bundesliga have bolstered their self-belief. They have more defined objectives now. They are a team with impressive speed, they play an attacking style, and we must rise to the challenge,” he added when discussing the significant changes since their last matchup.
The German coach has been vocal about the overwhelming schedule that modern players face. When asked about this on Tuesday, Flick reassured that it would not adversely affect his squad.
“It’s crucial to concentrate on the present and treat every game as a priority. We need to assess player fatigue, which is vital, and whether we need to make positional adjustments,” he stated.
“I’m pleased because we currently have numerous players capable of filling multiple roles. While the schedule is intense, it won’t hinder us. Our aim is to win every match. We are equipped to handle this, and we take great pride in it,” he concluded.
