This Tuesday at 9 p.m. (CET), Paris Saint-Germain will face FC Barcelona at the Parc des Princes as part of the third matchday of the 2026-2027 Champions League. In a press conference, Barça coach Hansi Flick spoke about this encounter and his Parisian opponents.
Flick: “I love the dynamic of this PSG side”
Luis Enrique’s PSG?
“I love the dynamic of this PSG side—the intensity and the pressing they apply. The way the players perform within a very flexible tactical framework, even with frequent rotations, is impressive.”
“I’ve really enjoyed watching Luis Enrique’s evolution. The way his team has developed is incredible; he’s doing a fantastic job.”
A test for Barça?
“It’s a great test to see where we currently stand. I want my team to play with confidence and courage. We’re facing what is arguably the best team of the last two seasons.”
Flick: “We’ve been playing in our own style since the start of the season”
Is Raphinha ready?
“Absolutely, he’s available. He could start.”
What’s different since last year’s defeat?
“We’ve been playing in our own style since the start of the season. We’re creating plenty of chances. The players are ready and excited to take on PSG.”
Flick clearly admires PSG, and—more importantly—he can articulate exactly why. The intensity, the pressing, the movement, and a team that maintains its cohesion despite constant rotations—his praise lends real weight to the work Luis Enrique is doing. Rotating players without disrupting the collective structure is far more compelling than simply stacking a squad with big names and hoping individual talent will do the rest. Paris has built a genuine collective strength, and that’s something even the opposing manager can see.
Of course, Barça isn’t coming to the Parc des Princes to hand out compliments. Flick wants to see courage and intends to stick to his team’s style—which is all well and good, provided that PSG can make the evening an uncomfortable one for them. It will require precision on the ball and a cohesive, team-wide pressing effort—not just three players running while the rest stand by and watch. Being labeled a European benchmark is certainly flattering, but yesterday’s compliments won’t give you a head start on the scoreboard.
