Flick ahead of the Champions League kick-off: I trust the referees, and we have someone who deserves the Ballon d'Or
"Lamine Yamal decided the matches on his own"
Hansi Flick radiated confidence as he faced the media before Barcelona's Champions League opener, insisting his side have what it takes to win the trophy while firing off some firm messages behind the dressing room door.
The Champions League dream is realistic
Asked about the team's obsession with the European crown, Flick said: "Every big club dreams of the Champions League, because it is the biggest competition. We have the quality to be crowned with it, but the road is still long and we have to prove our level in Europe as we do in La Liga."
Rodri's calming influence on the young squad drew a broader point. "The matter concerns the whole team," he explained. "Everyone bears the responsibility of giving everything to the club every day. We have achieved four wins, and that is not easy, but it does not mean everything is perfect."
A message to the unhappy players
The German turned his attention to the substitutes with a direct message. "It is natural for some players to be unhappy with their situation in a team of this quality. They have to prove every day that they are the best, and to keep positive and support their team-mates when their chance comes. I am the one who decides the line-up after daily monitoring with the coaching staff."
Now in his third year, he sees a squad pulling in one direction. "I see high quality, great unity and effective communication between the players. We must be united and fight together, and that is what is happening now. The level in the matches is a reflection of the quality of the training sessions."
A third consecutive league title and defending the referees
Winning La Liga for the third season running sits high on his wishlist. "This too is part of our dreams and goals," Flick affirmed, "and it would be a great achievement if we accomplish it."
He wanted no part of the row over refereeing and diving inside the box. "This is not my area. The quality of refereeing is good in Spain and Europe, and their job is not easy. We have to trust them and support them, and I always try to keep calm."
Yamal, Gordon and the style
Lamine Yamal earned warm praise. "A player capable of deciding matches on his own, and who loves to develop day by day. I see the scale of the responsibility he carries as one of the team's leaders. The most important thing is that he continues to enjoy football, because when he enjoys it he is at his highest level."
Gordon's settling-in period came next. "As a striker who always wants to score, he has missed some chances but he creates goals and that is very important. I am confident the goals will come, and I am happy with what he offers defensively and offensively."
On his side's approach in Europe, he was clear. "We always adapt according to the opponent. We have our idea, which was very successful over the past two years, and we may adjust it when it is necessary. In the big moments we need all the players at their best."
What about the Ballon d'Or race?
The Ballon d'Or debate rumbles on, with Luis Enrique and Mourinho both pushing their own men and Mbappé staking his own claim. Asked whether the winner would be at Barcelona, Flick answered with a touch of reservation.
"Of course, we have many wonderful players, and I would be very happy if one of them won the Ballon d'Or. We'll see what happens."
He added: "It is not my job to run a campaign for a particular player, but I see that we possess immense quality."
His verdict was emphatic. "For me, it is not just about quality, but also about the behaviour and mentality that the players show every day. So, yes, I have in the team a number of players capable of winning the Ballon d'Or."
