Flick: ‘Next Step Is to Win La Liga’ After Barça’s Champions League Exit

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has urged his side to turn their focus to domestic glory after being eliminated from the Champions League by Atlético Madrid.

Despite winning 2-1 at the Metropolitano, Barça fell 3-2 on aggregate, ending their European campaign at the quarter-final stage.

‘We played a fantastic first half. We had to score more goals. It was really possible,’ Flick said afterwards. ‘At the end we conceded the goal. In the end, it’s football. But the attitude, I am really proud of that.’

The German coach admitted the disappointment of missing out on the Champions League dream but insisted the team must now channel their energy into the Spanish title race.

‘The next step is to win La Liga. We have to show the attitude, the mentality. For everyone, it’s a big dream to win the Champions League. Of course we have to learn, but we also have a young team. We have to improve and we will improve next season.’

Flick praised his players’ development and resilience, stressing that setbacks are part of the journey.

‘Every day we have to learn more, we have to be better and this is what we want to do. I know it’s very disappointing for everyone but it’s football, it’s life and we have to come back.’

He concluded by underlining his determination to deliver domestic success.

‘For me, I don’t care about when we win La Liga. I want to win La Liga. It doesn’t matter what day we win it. Now we can focus on La Liga. It’s tough because everyone believed we could make it happen today, but we have to accept it and we will come back,’ he said.