Barcelona is not afraid of facing English League teams with financial strength
Hansi Flick says Barcelona have the quality to cope with the financial might of the English Premier League as he prepares his side for the first leg of the Champions League last 16 against Newcastle United on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, early morning WIB.
Newcastle United is one of six English League teams who have reached this stage in the European top tournament. The Magpies have the chance to become a barrier between Barcelona to the quarter finals next month.
This week's meeting at St. James' Park will be the second meeting between the two teams in this season's Champions League. Barcelona won 2-1 in the league phase at Newcastle's home in September 2025.
The decisive match, or the second leg, will take place on March 18, 2026, local time, at Camp Nou.
"The English league is a great league, for me the best in the world. They have a strong team and a lot of money. Hopefully they can make the right decision."
"That's why you see six teams (England) in this round (16). For me, we are also strong, not just Newcastle United or Manchester City or Arsenal or Tottenham Hotspur or others."
"We have incredible quality, we have to continue the way we are, our style, how we want to play."
"We want to play like Barcelona, also in the Champions League. Our supporters are proud of the way we play football. This is what we want to show," said Flick in a pre-match press conference.
Newcastle United are not in the best form in the domestic league. They have lost three of their last five league games, slipping to 12th place in the standings, and were knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester City at the weekend.
However, Flick is aware of the threat they will pose, especially with the support of the home fans.
"The Champions League is different. Everyone at this stage wants to show their best. We will find a fantastic atmosphere here."
"The fans will push them. They will press high, man-to-man, and play an intense game. We have to play bravely from behind."
"It won't be easy. We have to find a solution. This is a team in transition with very fast, good, and amazing players. We have to overcome it and manage it," said the German coach when asked about Newcastle United's inconsistent performance.
The Blaugrana are without Jules Kounde, Alejandro Balde, Andreas Christensen, Gavi, and injured Frenkie de Jong, but Flick confirmed that midfielder Marc Bernal is available after recovering from a stomach problem.
Marcus Rashford, who scored twice as Barcelona beat Newcastle United in September 2025, could also be in Flick's thoughts after making his first start in a month in the 1-0 win over Athletic Club.
"Marcus is injured, he's been out for a few days, a few games. Now he's back. We'll see. I haven't decided. However, he's a good option," said Flick.
Preparations ahead of Barcelona's match in England were dominated by a dispute between Flick's predecessor, Xavi Hernandez, and President Joan Laporta against the backdrop of the Barcelona Presidential election on Sunday, March 15, 2026, in which club members will vote for Laporta or Victor Font.
Flick said club politics would not affect his players' preparations.
"This is one of the most important weeks of the season because we want to qualify for the next round. We have a game here and we have to focus on that game. I'm only focused on this game, on my team," he said.