Barcelona jetted out to Newcastle today ahead of the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie against Eddie Howe’s side at St James’ Park on Tuesday night.
Hansi Flick’s side will be aiming to book their place in the quarter-finals of the competition as Barca seek to lift the European Cup for the first time since 2015.
Question marks have already been raised about Barcelona’s ability to be crowned European champions this season, largely due to some of their performances in the competition under
Flick.
According to AS, Barca head into the game with some “clear instructions” from their manager on how to handle the threat offered by the Magpies.
The first is to expect a fast start from Newcastle and to be switched on from the first second. Barca have been guilty of making some slow starts on occasions this season, while Newcastle are expected to come racing out of the blocks – particularly in front of what’s likely to be a raucous home crowd.
Flick is also said to be urging his team to keep their concentration. The German coach does not want a repeat of the Atletico Madrid disaster in the Copa del Rey, when Barca’s first leg showing cost them dearly.
The report also claims Flick wants his team to learn from previous mistakes, notably those made last season in their heart-breaking semi-final defeat to Inter.
Barca were spotted defending deeper in the closing minutes against Athletic Club, as they sought to see out the win, with Yamal seen “repeatedly telling Raphinha and Lewandowski not to press but to hold their positions.”
The visitors went on to pick up the three points at San Mames, with Fermin Lopez admitting afterwards he’s expecting a similar type of game in midweek. He said: “We also know we will face a similar match to the one here, in a very difficult stadium against a very physical opponent.”
Flick’s side do have experience of Newcastle and St James’ Park, of course. The two teams met in the group phase, with Barca running out 2-1 winners.
