Pere Romeu reveals Flick messaged him before Barça-Madrid

“Flick sent me a message before Barça-Madrid,” Pere Romeu revealed about the exchange ahead of the meeting with Real Madrid. The FC Barcelona Femenino coach also praised his players’ commitment and their display in Sunday’s 7-0 Liga F victory.

Romeu told ESPN that his side raised its level further against Real Madrid after a very good Champions League match in Rome. “We had total control, allowed them very little and I’m very happy the fans were able to enjoy it,” he said.

Beyond the scoreline, the coach stressed the collective standards he demands: celebrating a goal with intensity, reacting immediately after a missed chance and getting back into shape quickly when the opposition attacks. “They are basic things, but non-negotiable for me,” he said.

That emphasis on collective play is reflected in his view of Barcelona’s identity. “The idea always comes before individual names,” he said, adding that wearing the club’s shirt means having to fight for everything, whatever a player’s level. He believes the approach is working and that everyone is taking responsibility for their role.

The squad has changed with the departures of Alexia Putellas, Mapi León and Ona Batlle. Those moves have created more room for young players developed at the club, including Clara Serrajordi and Aïcha Camara. Romeu considers this team different from last season’s and is convinced it will continue to perform well. In earlier stages, he had already praised the German coach’s interest in the women’s team’s development.

Romeu had promised to cut his hair if he won his first Champions League in Oslo, and he kept that promise. Asked whether he might grow it again, he wondered aloud: “I don’t know, let it grow long again?”