Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has admitted that his time at former club Bayern Munich was “something special” ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash, Soccernet.football reports.
The Blaugrana lead LaLiga with nine wins from ten games, following a 5-1 victory over Sevilla, and have three points from two Champions League matches after losing to Monaco and defeating Young Boys 5-0.
Flick’s Barca are set to face Bundesliga heavyweights Bayern, a team the German guided to Champions League glory in 2020. Despite fond memories of his time at the Allianz Arena, Flick’s focus is now on securing a win for Barcelona.
“Bayern is something special in my life, it’s an excellent club and I have many acquaintances and relationships with players and managers,” Flick said on Tuesday as per Reuters.
“It was a great time, that’s my memory. But now there is a new chapter, I am delighted here and very happy.
“I have a very good feeling for being here. The fans support us with so much passion and it forces you to give your all.
“That’s how we’re going to continue, we want to be well prepared. I might know Bayern a little better but it will be a difficult game.”
Flick was in charge of the Bavarians when they thumped Barcelona 8-2 in the Champions League quarter-finals four years ago. However, the German believes that match will have no bearing on their next meeting.
“The past is in the past and what we should focus on is the here and now. What happened in the past we cannot change, but we can change what happens tomorrow. I want us to be well prepared and give our best. We want to beat Bayern,” Flick said.
“It is important that we work hard and achieve what we are looking for. The fans can rely on us to give our all.
“We don’t always perform at 100% and that’s why we’re trying to improve for the next game. It will be important to put pressure on our opponents. We will try to make as few mistakes as possible.”