Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has maintained his confidence in the team following recent defeats to Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, insisting the Catalan side remain focused on securing a top-eight finish in the UEFA Champions League league phase.
Flick acknowledged that Barcelona’s El Clásico defeat to Real Madrid could have produced a different outcome, but stressed that matches against elite opponents are often decided by fine margins.
“Beating the big teams this season? We know that at this level anything can happen. Against Real Madrid, the result could have been different,” Flick said.
The German tactician described such encounters as special, while reaffirming his belief in the squad’s ability to respond to setbacks.
“These matches are special, but we still have confidence. Now we’re focused on the Champions League and our goal is to qualify for the top eight. We’re working hard to achieve it,” he added.
Barcelona’s recent losses to PSG and Real Madrid had raised questions over their ability to deliver against Europe’s strongest sides. However, the team returned to winning ways with a commanding 6-1 victory over Deportivo Alavés in La Liga on October 31.
The result restored Barcelona’s momentum ahead of their Champions League meeting with Aston Villa, with Flick turning his attention to the European campaign and the importance of finishing among the league phase’s top eight.
The top-eight target would secure direct qualification for the Champions League round of 16, allowing Barcelona to avoid the knockout play-off round.
Despite the recent setbacks, Flick has continued to underline Barcelona’s broader ambitions, maintaining that the club remains determined to compete for major honours in both domestic and European football.