Flick talks Cubarsi, Christensen, Pedri, De Jong, Camp Nou ahead of Barcelona vs Villarreal | OneFootball

FC Barcelona will lock horns with Villarreal on Sunday in what will be their final home game of the 2024/25 season.

The Blaugrana go into the game crowned as the champions of La Liga after they beat RCD Espanyol 2-0 on Thursday to open up an unassailable seven-point lead over Real Madrid with two games left to be played.

The Catalans will thus walk as the champions of Spain tomorrow in what will be their final game at Montjuic ahead of the return to Camp Nou next season.

Ahead of the special encounter, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick spoke to the media, discussing various topics including the title celebration parade on Friday.

On saying goodbye to Montjuic

Kicking things off, though, the German tactician discussed the feeling in the locker room as they prepare to play the final home game of the season, saying:

“We have played against a lot of good teams in the season. Villarreal are having a great end to the season. It’s good to see them play football. It will be a tough game at home, but we want to win to celebrate with our fans in the stadium.

“We want to finish the league as champions. We haven’t lost at home in 2025 and we want to keep it that way.”

On it being the final game at Montjuic, he added: “We haven’t talked about Camp Nou yet. We have to wait. I had a great experience at Montjuic. I’m looking forward to playing in this new stadium. The holidays are long and we hope to return.”

On the title celebration rally

Regarding the bus parade and what it meant to celebrate the title triumph with fans, Flick said:

“It was awesome. When you see the faces of the people, with the passion they have for the club, it’s very nice to see. If we do this every year it won’t be bad. Maybe we can do it next year. It was amazing to see the people in the street celebrating.”

On who he thought was the MVP during the parade, Flick replied: “I don’t know…. Cubarsi took the mic and did a great job yesterday.”

Flick also shed light on how he celebrated the success with his family, saying: “My family is always with me. There is a part that is in Germany and we made video calls.

“I have a lot of space on my phone despite the photos and videos. This morning I watched some with my grandson. It’s very nice to see him.”

Celebrations done, focus back on the pitch. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

On the Villarreal game and the squad

Turning his focus to the Villarreal clash and plans for the game, the Barcelona head coach noted:

“We have to make some changes. We will wait until tomorrow. There was the celebration. Some people celebrated yesterday night as well. If they can party, they can play. There are no excuses.”

On the possibility of fielding an entire starting XI made up of La Masia players, he said: “We’ve talked about it, but we haven’t decided yet. It is an option. We have to wait until tomorrow to decide.”

The manager then had words of praise for Andreas Christensen, who has been in good form since returning from injury, saying:

“He is doing well. He showed it in the games. He’s improved a lot and he’s not at his best yet. He’s on the way.”

When asked about the plans for the players currently away on loan, he refused to comment on the matter at this point, saying:

“We don’t talk about it. We have time to talk after Bilbao. We will talk and decide what we will do.”

When asked to name his Barcelona team’s best quality, Flick highlighted the unity within the group, saying:

“What I’m most proud of is the atmosphere. It’s like a family. We wanted to create an atmosphere for the players to give their best and it has worked.

“They have believed in themselves and in what we want to do. Maybe they are a bit tired today, but they are enjoying what they are doing.”

Pointing out the areas of improvement for the team, he added: “Defence is a part of everyone, but in attack it’s also important that we are all well positioned. I want everyone to know from the start what we want to do.

“When teams have been together for three or four years it’s easier. Another important point is physicality. It’s incredible how Pedri and De Jong have played in the last few games.”

Concluding, Flick also touched upon his experience of living in Barcelona so far, saying:

“I love the passion people have for the club. You always see the connection with the club. I’m very happy with it. It’s another culture. I also love living in Barcelona.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo