Flick Breaks Down Guardiola talk, Rafinha’s Return, and a Chelsea–Barça Clash That Demands Attention

Previews and Perspectives

Hansi Flick, the Barcelona coach, stressed the significance of tomorrow nights clash with Chelsea as Barca chase a top eight finish in the Champions League group stage.

He praised the London club and also highlighted the work of Enzo Maresca, while acknowledging that Rafinha may need time to fully return from his injury without forcing the pace.

Barcelona sit eleventh in the group with seven points from four games, having defeated Newcastle United and Olympiakos, lost to Paris Saint-Germain, and drawn 3-3 with Club Brugge.

Chelsea sit twelfth with seven points as well, but trail Barca on goal difference. Their path includes a 3-1 defeat to Bayern Munich, wins over Benfica and Ajax (1-0 and 5-1 respectively), and a recent 2-2 draw with Karabagh.

Flick explained that teams adapt constantly, that there is no single template for every game, and that facing Chelsea will demand vigilance and flexibility rather than a one size fits all approach.

He described Chelsea as among the world’s best teams, noting their youthful talent and strong coaching. The clash represents a big challenge and a chance to prove Barca’s belief in their own capacity and depth.

On Lewandowski, Flick said the striker has shown improvement since the October pause and should be ready to contribute, stressing the importance of having a goal threat at the right moments.

Regarding Enzo Maresca, Flick commented that Chelsea are an active side with a comparable philosophy. He noted that Pep Guardiola had inspired many, and that Maresca is clearly building a similar forward-thinking style at Chelsea.

About Rafinha, Flick admitted the comeback is being managed carefully step by step. He expressed happiness at his return, noting Rafinha has already opened spaces and added balance to the team.

He also cautioned that while the media sometimes highlights problems, the club trusts its medical staff and knows that mistakes happen in football. He stressed that they are human and committed to moving forward together.

On the broader squad, Flick praised the mood around injuries and returns, mentioning that players such as Frenkie de Jong, Marcus Rashford, Rafinha, and Pedri will shape Barca’s still-young but growing confidence. He stressed that there are multiple options in defense, including Eric Garcia, and that the team remains optimistic about their collective future.

Looking ahead to the objective, Flick reiterated Barca’s aim to remain within the top eight, reminding that last season proved even teams not at their best early on can lift the Champions League trophy with the right drive.

Barcelona squad announced

Keeper options included Wojciech Szczesny, Joan Garcia, and Diego Koshin. The defensive line featured Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo, Gerard Martinez, Alejandro Balde, Jules Koundi, Pau Cobarci, and Andreas Christensen. Midfield loaded with Dani Olmo, Marc Casado, Dro Fernandez, Marc Bernal, Frenkie de Jong, and Fermin Lopez. Up front: Rafinha, Lamine Yamal, Marcus Rashford, Ronny Bardji, Robert Lewandowski, and Ferran Torres.