Flick says PSG match will test Barcelona’s true level

Hansi Flick believes the match against Paris Saint-Germain will reveal Barcelona’s true level and offer a clearer sense of how far his team can go. He expects a demanding evening against an opponent he considers among Europe’s best, but wants his players to approach the test with confidence and courage.

Both teams have made strong starts to the league phase, and Barcelona travel to Paris for the meeting. Flick believes PSG have grown more mature over recent seasons and are now better equipped to cope with difficult moments. He also praised Luis Enrique’s work: “He has won two Champions Leagues in a row, and his team have played fantastic football. He is an excellent coach, one of the best,” Flick said.

The Barcelona coach also likes the dynamism and intensity of his counterpart’s team, its willingness to take risks and its flexibility. He believes Luis Enrique has done a very good job. Flick does not, however, consider the fixture an early final. He recognises its importance as a test of Barcelona’s ambitions: “It’s a test. We’re playing against one of the best teams, if not the best. It will be an opportunity to show our level and how far we can go. After this match, we’ll know a lot more.”

Flick sees maturity as a difference between the sides. He pointed to PSG’s collective development in recent years and the quality of its players, including those on the bench. Barcelona’s challenge is not limited to assessing its progress: the team must also manage a defensive injury situation. Flick remains confident that his squad can cope.

The coach stressed the need for concentration against PSG’s precision. “If you have possession, the opponent can’t score. But it’s important not to make mistakes. PSG are very precise. We have to play with great concentration.” He also defended Barcelona’s high defensive line, acknowledging the risk while emphasising the need for aggressive pressing when possession is lost.

Flick said the squad welcomed the challenge, while stressing that their focus remained on the game ahead despite the approaching El Clásico against Real Madrid. “It’s a great opportunity to show how good we are,” he said. The Paris meeting should give Barcelona a tangible measure of its progress against a side Flick considers especially mature and demanding.