Hansi Flick, head coach of Spanish La Liga 2024/25 Champions, Barcelona, has described French visitors, Paris Saint-Germaine (PSG), as a “fantastic team”.
The German boss admitted, the showdown “won’t be easy” for the Catalans as they face the European Kings at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
Barcelona will face PSG in the Uefa Champions League 2025/26 League Phase on Wednesday 1 October, 2025 at 20:00 (WAT).
At his pre-match press conference ahead of the encounter, Barcelona Spanish midfielder, Pedri, said, his side “will go all out” against the French Ligue 1 2024/25 Winners, describing the Les Parisiens as “the best team in the world”.
Pre-match comments from Hansi Flick and Pedri
According to the official X account of Barcelona FC:
Flick: “We are Barça, and we like being considered favorites to win the Champions League — but it’s a long journey. Tomorrow’s match won’t be easy. We’ll need to perform at our very best from the first second.
“PSG is a fantastic team, and we’re looking forward to the match.”
Pedri: “I feel very important, and I really appreciate the fans’ support. Both teams will want to have the ball. We’ll go all out.
“PSG is one of the best teams in the world, so it will definitely be a spectacle.”
Luis Enrique and Ousmane Dembele return…
This clash is seen as the resumption of one of the most fascinating rivalries in European football of the last few years; as well as, presents the chance to welcome home a man who achieved a lot with FC Barcelona in the past, however, is now defending the interests of PSG.
Ousmane Dembele, the man who just last week was crowned winner of the Ballon d’Or, is expected to lead the PSG attack; he is also someone who knows Barcelona very well.
The Frenchman featured in 127 matches for Barca from 2017 to 2023, sadly, he won’t be able to field in front of his old friends as a result of a hamstring injury he is battling with currently.
Team News
Both Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde have returned to full fitness, however, Hansi Flick is still missing the services of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Gavi, Joan Garcia, Fermín López and Raphinha, all crucial losses but for which the coach has enough cover, as seen in the top flight triumph at the weekend.
Luis Enrique also has big names missing in action on Wednesday night, which include: Desire Doue, Joao Neves, Fabian Ruiz and captain Marquinhos. Vitinha and Georgian winger Kvaratskhelia are also doubtful after being hurt in the weekend game against Auxerre.
