Despite a dramatic and heartbreaking 7-6 aggregate defeat to Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-finals, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has expressed his pride in his players and asserted that they will bounce back stronger next season. The two-legged tie, filled with twists and turns, saw Barcelona’s quadruple dreams dashed in Flick’s debut season at the helm.
Speaking to reporters after the agonizing loss in Milan, Flick stated, “I’m proud of my team, I’m proud of your team, we gave everything, and sometimes it’s like that. We have to accept it, and we start again next season. To win the Champions League, this is one of our goals… We will be back next season.”
The defeat, while difficult to swallow, comes amidst a successful domestic campaign for Flick’s Barcelona. They have already secured the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa del Rey and currently hold a four-point lead over arch-rivals Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.
Flick is now focused on ensuring his squad recovers swiftly as they prepare to face Real Madrid in a crucial league clash on Sunday. A victory against their fierce rivals would significantly strengthen their bid for a domestic treble.
“And of course, La Liga, it will be also a tough match on Sunday but we also give everything,” Flick added, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming El Clasico.
Acknowledging the emotional toll of the Champions League exit, Flick believes his players can hold their heads high despite the disappointment. “When they (the players) look in the mirror when they arrive at home at three or four o’clock in the night, or in the morning, I think they can be very proud.”
Flick’s words aim to rally his squad and shift their focus back to their domestic ambitions. While the Champions League dream has been put on hold, the Barcelona manager is confident in his team’s resilience and their determination to compete at the highest level again next season. The immediate challenge, however, is the pivotal encounter against Real Madrid, a game that will undoubtedly test their mental fortitude following their European exit.
