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Barcelona triumphed over their fierce rivals Real Madrid to secure the Copa del Rey over the weekend, a victory that will serve as motivation rather than a distraction as they prepare to face Inter Milan in the Champions League semifinal, according to manager Hansi Flick on Tuesday.
Flick's team, currently leading LaLiga, took a significant step towards their treble with a thrilling 3-2 victory in extra time on Saturday.
When asked if he needs to temper the players' excitement ahead of today's first leg at home against the Italians, Flick replied, "No, what I observe is that everyone is concentrated on this match, and they understand how crucial it is to advance to the Champions League final."
Flick emphasized, "This victory against Real is also vital for our positive energy, and it can provide a boost. We know we must work hard to reach the final. It’s a dream for everyone to be in this position; we need to maintain our focus. Inter possesses players who might see this as their last chance to make it to a final, and they will give their all."
Following the intense 120 minutes against Real, Flick is eager to see how his players perform in training.
"We'll assess things tomorrow; today isn’t the day to discuss the starting eleven. Tomorrow we will evaluate how they recover," he stated.
"Inter played on Sunday and have less recovery time, but this is a Champions League semifinal, and everyone aims to give their utmost."
Flick confirmed that Wojciech Szczesny will continue as his first-choice goalkeeper in the Champions League, despite the return of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who has been out with injury.
Inter's chances for a treble came to an end last week when they lost in the Coppa Italia semifinals to AC Milan. Additionally, back-to-back league defeats allowed Napoli to move ahead in Serie A with a three-point lead.
Nevertheless, Flick stated he would maintain his strategy against a team that has lost its last three matches.
"For Inter, the Champions League also represents a significant opportunity to win a trophy; they, like us, are only two matches away from the final," Flick remarked.
"The past matches are irrelevant. I don’t dwell on those because it’s not my concern; my focus is on my team."
