Soccer Football - Champions League - FC Barcelona Press Conference - Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, Barcelona, Spain - April 29, 2025 FC Barcelona coach Hansi Flick after the press conference REUTERS/Albert Gea
BARCELONA (Reuters) -Barcelona beat arch-rivals Real Madrid to win the Copa del Rey at the weekend, which will provide extra motivation rather than being a distraction when they face Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-final, manager Hansi Flick said on Tuesday.
Flick's side, who top LaLiga, completed the first part of their treble bid in a dramatic extra-time 3-2 win on Saturday, and the manager was asked if he needs to curb the players' euphoria ahead of Wednesday's first leg at home to 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 have 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 less hours of recovery but it's a Champions League semi-final and everyone wants to give 100%."
Flick did confirm that Wojciech Szczesny will remain his first-choice keeper in the Champions League despite the return of long-term injury absentee Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Inter's treble bid ended last week when they exited the Coppa Italia semi-finals at the hands of AC Milan, and two consecutive league losses allowed Napoli to take top spot in Serie A and open up a gap of three points.
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."
(Reporting by Trevor Stynes, editing by Ed Osmond)
