Barcelona need leaders to fulfil Flick's Champions League dream

TL;DR

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick emphasizes the need for leaders on the pitch to achieve Champions League success. After being eliminated in the quarter-finals by Atletico Madrid, he stresses the importance of experienced players for future victories.

Key points

Barcelona needs leaders to win the Champions League
Hansi Flick's team was eliminated by Atletico Madrid
Barcelona is nine points ahead in La Liga
Flick emphasizes learning from defeats
The team is largely made up of young players

BarcelonaAtletico MadridInter MilanReal Madrid

Barcelona can only win the Champions League if they have leaders on the pitch said coach Hansi Flick (Oscar DEL POZO) (Oscar DEL POZO/AFP/AFP) Barcelona require leaders on the pitch if they are to achieve their coach Hansi Flick's dream of winning the Champions League, the German said on Tuesday. The 61-year-old was speaking a week after his Champions League dream was dashed for a second successive season -- this time ousted in the quarter-finals by La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid. Flick -- whose side went out in the semi-finals last season to Inter Milan -- guided Barcelona to the domestic double last term and his charges are on course for retaining their league title, they are nine points clear of Real Madrid with seven games to play. "It is not an excuse but in the business end of the campaign in March and April, it is very important to have all the players available," he said at his press conference on the eve of their league match with Celta Vigo. "Against Atletico we were missing Frenkie (de Jong) and Raphinha. "Last year we had Inigo (Martinez), who was a great leader. "We need these type of players, capable of providing leadership on the pitch, to speak up during matches, in the quarter-finals or semi-finals of the Champions League, and to show the way." Flick added the team, largely made up of players who came through the club's youth system, were "young" and must "learn" from each defeat in order to progress. "I believe we can do it, we have a fantastic team for the years ahead, and one must make the right decisions, notably in the transfer market," he said. Flick would not go into any further detail on the type of forward Barcelona will be looking to recruit nor on his future even if he hopes his "contract is extended" in what he repeated would be his "last job". ati/lle/pi/nf

Q&A

What did Hansi Flick say about Barcelona's Champions League chances?

Hansi Flick stated that Barcelona can only win the Champions League if they have leaders on the pitch.

Which teams eliminated Barcelona from the Champions League in recent seasons?

Barcelona was eliminated by Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals this season and by Inter Milan in the semi-finals last season.

What are Barcelona's current standings in La Liga under Hansi Flick?

Barcelona is currently nine points clear of Real Madrid in La Liga, on track to retain their league title.