Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has backed Arsenal team-mate Mikel Arteta following his recent statements about players in the modern game. The German coach was speaking ahead of Barcelona’s Champions League clash with Copenhagen, where they may need a win to finish in the top eight.
Earlier this month, Arteta had said that the media should distance themselves from the idea of starters and substitutes, noting that ‘finishers’ are as important, if not more important, than those who start games. Flick agreed with this point.
“I agree. It’s the same in every team. So any day, you have eleven players who can’t start and five others who can finish. The important thing is that they show that they can play at this level. So this is what I want to see from all the players. I think the past shows a lot in the way we do it, and that we’re very happy to have these players, this team, we work as one team when we’re in a good situation. You can see that it’s one team in a good situation.
Ferran Torres to return to action
One of the good news is that you will be able to choose between the finishers against Copenhagen. Robert Lewandowski has started their last two games with Ferran Torres sidelined with a hamstring injury, but the Valencia defender was back in training on Tuesday.
“He was tested for the last time yesterday, he trained today, he is fine and ready for tomorrow.
Barcelona will be without Pedri Gonzalez, who is still injured due to a torn hamstring. Flick was asked if that affected Barcelona’s ability to control games.
“We have a good team including the bench, we play as a team and we look forward to playing this very important game for us. This is what I want to see.”
Click on the Copenhagen conflict
Barcelona is currently outside the top 8 of the Champions League on goal difference, but they also have four teams behind them with 13 points, which they can snatch with a big win. Copenhagen lie in 26th place, out of the play-off places on goal difference, needing a win to qualify.
“We are focused on our game, on what we have in front of us. We will have a tough game against Copenhagen. We will not make excuses, and we are eager and confident. We are confident in our style, in the way we play. This is the Champions League, and it is about reaching our highest level.”
“We are confident and respect Copenhagen because they also need to win to advance to the next stage. I tell them to play at a high level because it will not be easy. We want to reach the top 8; that is our job.”
🚨 Marcus Rashford lived an unprecedented situation against Real Oviedo since he joined FC Barcelona: for the first time, when he was available, he was left without minutes. [@didacpeyret] 🏴 pic.twitter.com/wF3AAlhvoz
– barcacentre (@barcacentre) January 26, 2026
As for the new format, Flick was a big fan.
“I love it. We have a great chance to finish in the top 8 and we will do everything we can to make it happen. I really like this new format.”
As things stand, 32 of the 26 teams in the league are in the running to qualify for the knockout stages, with only two teams (Arsenal and Bayern Munich) guaranteed their place in the Round of 16.
