Barcelona vs Newcastle United Match: Speculation over the fitness of Barcelona’s blue-eyed boy, Lamine Yamal, has been put to rest, with head coach Hansi Flick confirming he is ‘injury-free’ ahead of their upcoming Champions League round of 16 second-leg clash against Newcastle United. Fans and experts were in a dilemma after Yamal was rested in Barcelona’s recent clash against Sevilla, which they won 5-2.
In a press conference ahead of the match against Newcastle United, Flick dispelled all the stories around Yamal’s injury, stating that he trained fine.
“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,” said the head coach.
Barcelona, who are seeking their first UCL title since 2015, remain among the favourites to clinch it this season. Flick also displayed confidence in doing so. “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,” Flick said.
Flick Intends To End Coaching Career On High
The 61-year-old has made it clear that he has no plans to coach a football side after he is done with Barcelona. Notably, his contract concludes in 2027. However, Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, plans to extend Flick’s contract to 2028.
“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,” the 61-year-old Flick said on talks of extending his contract ahead of Barcelona’s round of 16 second leg clash with Newcastle United at Camp Nou.
“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.”
Hansi Flick’s Decorated Career
Flick has been the head coach of Barcelona since 2024, succeeding the legendary Xavi. Last year, he claimed both the La Liga and Copa del Rey titles, and also guided Barcelona to victory in the Spanish Super Cup in 2025 and 2026. Before this, Flick was the manager of Bayern Munich from 2019 to 2021, during which he led the club to the Bundesliga title in both seasons and secured the Champions League title in 2019/20.
After his tenure at Bayern, Flick became the head coach of the German national team, leading them to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Unfortunately, Germany did not progress beyond the group stage, stumbling following a 1-2 loss to Japan.
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