Barcelona vs Man City: Flick wants to emulate Guardiola’s ‘idea’

Barcelona head Hansi Flick called his youthful broadside “really good” successful nan first crippled of his reign against Manchester City and said he wants to emulate nan accuracy of Pep Guardiola’s “great” team.

Flick started 4 teenagers among 9 players aged nether 23 arsenic Barca doubly took nan lead successful a 2-2 tie against City successful Orlando, winning a punishment shoot-out courtesy of 2 saves from 20-year-old goalkeeper Ander Astralaga, who has ne'er played a competitory elder game.

“We defended together and attacked together – arsenic a squad – and that’s what we want,” nan German said. “We fought for each other. Maybe successful nan first half we were excessively deep; our thought is to beryllium a spot further forward.

“We request much possession but we played against Manchester City… Pep has been location for 8 years and we want to do nan aforesaid arsenic them successful position of philosophy. Maybe a small spot different, but pinch that idea.”

Flick & Pep: nan clip that will make your day. 😍 pic.twitter.com/okR6Ma3O6F

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 31, 2024

Hansi Flick: Barcelona philosophy

When Flick was appointed arsenic nine fable Xavi’s successor successful May, Barcelona cited nan German’s “intense, eager precocious press”.

“The accuracy they person is akin to excavation – shot possession and really attacking football,” nan 59-year-old said of nan nine astatine nan time. “These are nan things I love.”

The Spanish broadside are missing 10 players connected their US circuit done injuries and world commitments, including nan likes of Ilkay Gundogan and Raphinha.

A two-time German champion arsenic Bayern Munich manager, Flick will gain a million-euro prize (around £844,000) astatine Barcelona if he emulates his 2019/20 Uefa Champions League triumph pinch nan Bundesliga giants.

🍿 HIGHLIGHTS! 🍿
Barça Beat City successful Penalty Shootout Thriller pic.twitter.com/NNK5Wb5fi2

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 31, 2024

Ten players are missing from Flick’s US circuit squad done world work and injuries, while nan likes of Ilkay Gundogan and Raphinha are yet to subordinate nan squad for pre-season because they played successful world tournaments this summer.

“I don’t want to attraction connected individual names aft conscionable 1 game,” said Flick. “I wasn’t judge we would person that protect balance, but we did.”

Barcelona fixtures, schedule

Barca look arch-rivals Real Madrid successful New Jersey connected Sunday (12am BST), past meet Milan successful Baltimore connected August 7 (12.30am).

Flick is successful his first coaching domiciled extracurricular of Germany, having returned to guidance for nan first clip since his sacking arsenic leader of his nationalist squad successful September 2023.