Hansi Flick: ‘Ter Stegen is our captain and he deserved to play’
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick arrived late to the press conference at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys after the team’s celebrations on the pitch extended longer than expected. Although planned speeches did not take place, Flick made sure to shout “Visca el Barca y visca Catalunya” to the club’s official media, a moment captured for posterity.
Speaking to the press, Flick said, “Today we have to forgive the defeat because it’s a day to celebrate. The players have done a fantastic job and I’m very happy. Of course, I don’t like the result, but we also had chances to win and we have celebrated the league over the last few days.”
Reflecting on the emotional atmosphere, he added, “When I saw the faces of the fans, we saw people crying. It’s a very big feeling.” Flick confessed he enjoyed watching the supporters celebrate, saying, “We have many things to improve, but we have potential. From the start, I saw this team never gave up. This is the attitude and that’s why the fans are happy and satisfied with the team.”
On his connection with the club, Flick shared, “We’ve had a great time from the start. When we began the season, the feeling was that we were at home. It’s great to feel this — with Deco, Bojan, the staff, the whole team is connected. The workers, kit men, cooks… It has been a fantastic job and I’m proud to be part of this team and this club.”
The German coach praised the club’s identity, stating, “Of course Barca is ‘mes que un club’. You can feel it in every person, in the president himself who lives for Barca and everyone gives their best. Everyone knows exactly what they have to do. And you see the fans’ attitude, the mentality, Barcelona, Catalunya… I’m happy to be part of this.”
On squad decisions, Flick explained, “Marc is our captain and also deserved to play. I think it was the best decision.” He also hinted at future squad improvements: “I do know what I want to strengthen the squad and make it better, but it will be from now on that we talk about that. There are always things to improve, but in the end, it has been a fantastic season.”
Recalling the tough December loss to Atletico Madrid, Flick said, “We lost, but we played very well. I told the players that if we played at this level, everything was possible. We never gave up and we’ve seen the response day by day.”
Finally, Flick acknowledged the importance of Bojan Krkic in the club’s structure: “He has been very important, both him and Deco, they are always here. Bojan knows everything about the club, La Masia, the B team… When we need players, he is very important to me. It’s very good to have this information because I have learned things every day.”
