Hansi Flick Sees Copa del Rey Triumph As Key Motivation For Barcelona’s Inter Milan Test

‎Manager Hansi Flick said on Tuesday that Barcelona’s Copa del Rey win against arch-rivals Real Madrid will add motivation rather than cause distraction.

‎He believes it will positively influence their upcoming Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan.

‎Flick’s team, currently leading La Liga, secured the first stage of their treble attempt with a dramatic 3-2 victory in extra time on Saturday. The manager was asked whether he needs to tame the players’ celebration before Wednesday’s first leg at home against the Italians.

‎”No, what I can see is that everyone is focused on this match, that everyone knows how important it is to be able to go to the Champions League final,” Flick told reporters.

‎”Also this win against Real is very important for the positive vibes, and it could push you also. We know that we have to work hard to reach the final. It’s a dream for everyone to be here, we have to stay focused.

‎”Inter has a team where some players are at an age where maybe it’s the last opportunity to reach a final, and they will give 100%.”

‎After an enthralling 120 minutes against Real, Flick is waiting to see how his players react in training.

‎”We’ll see tomorrow; today is not the day to speak about the starting 11. Tomorrow, we will see what happens and how they recover,” Flick said.

‎”Also, Inter played on Sunday, and they have fewer hours of recovery, but it’s a Champions League semi-final, and everyone wants to give 100%.”

‎Flick confirmed that Wojciech Szczesny will remain his first-choice goalkeeper in the Champions League, despite Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s return from injury.

‎Inter’s treble bid ended last week after they were knocked out of the Coppa Italia semi-finals by AC Milan.

‎Additionally, two consecutive league defeats have seen Napoli overtake them at the top of Serie A, opening a three-point lead.

‎Flick, however, will not be changing his approach against a side who have lost three matches in a row.

‎”The Champions League is also for Inter a big chance to win a title, they are two matches away from the final, the same as we are,” Flick said.

‎”It doesn’t matter about the matches in the past. I don’t think about that because it’s not my job, I’m focused on my team.”