Hansi Flick says he knows what to expect from Newcastle United ahead of Champions League clash

Hansi Flick facing his latest Champions League match of the season.

Newcastle v Barcelona an 8pm kick-off on Tuesday night at St James’ Park.

A second visit of the season to St James’ Park for Hansi Flick and his team.

Barcelona winning 2-1 in September in the Swiss League phase, thanks to a wonder goal from Marcus Rashford.

This time it is the sharp end of the competition, the knockout stages.

Newcastle United and Barcelona meeting to decide over two legs who progresses to the last eight of the Champions League.

Hansi Flick Newcastle United press conference:

“Tomorrow we will find a fantastic atmosphere here in this stadium.

 “They (Newcastle United fans) will support their team.

“Newcastle United will be very intense.

“They will press man to man and their transitions are very fast.

“When they get the ball, they will transition very quickly because they have fast players.”

Hansi Flick won La Liga last season and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League, now they are once again top of La Liga and hoping to progress at the expense of Newcastle United in Europe:

“I’ve been in Barcelona for a year and a half and I’ve enjoyed every single day.

“Working with these fantastic players and staff.”

In the Swiss League phase of the Champions League, only Arsenal scored more than the 22 Barcelona did.

However, you had to go down to Athletic Club who finished 14th in the table, to find a team who conceded more than the 14 Barcelona did.

In La Liga, Barcelona have scored 72 goals in 27 league matches, Real Madrid the next highest with 56.

However, in domestic competitions as well as Champions League, Barcelona having a reputation of being likely to concede. Especially due to the 4-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Cup this season.

Hansi Flick asked about his team conceding goals:

“In La Liga they say we concede too many goals? Well, we also score a lot.

“Currently we are third best when it comes to not conceding goals (In La Liga, Barcelona have conceded 26 goals, Atletico Madrid 25 and Real Madrid 23).

“How many goals we score? We score the most.

“I have also said before, it is not about the last line of defence, the defensive line. It is about the whole team.

“And we are not able to include everyone [in defence, due to injuries].  So it is difficult to defend.”

Hansi Flick asked about the Premier League:

“It’s the best league in the world, it’s incredible, they have a lot of money and can make decisions.

“We are as strong as they are and we have to play according to our philosophy and show it to the world.”