Flick Warns Barcelona to Overcome Worlds Top League in Newcastle Encounter

Hansi Flick has cautioned Barcelona that Newcastle represents a significant challenge to their Champions League goals, emerging from what he calls the premier league globally.

Flicks team heads to St James Park for the round of 16 first leg on Tuesday, seen as strong contenders to advance to the quarter finals.

Barcelona, winners of the European Cup five times, lead La Liga and feature a roster full of stars.

Newcastle sits in 12th position in the Premier League and has yet to progress beyond the last 16 in Europes top club tournament.

However, pointing to the leagues financial power and squad depth, Barcelona manager Flick believes Newcastle could threaten their pursuit of another continental title.

Noting that six Premier League clubs have reached the knockout stage, Flick said to journalists on Monday: The Premier League is an excellent competition, in my view the finest in the world, with robust sides.

They certainly have substantial funds to make smart choices, and they have succeeded, with six teams now in the next phase.

We must stick to our approach, our playing style, and our philosophy.

We aim to perform like Barcelona even in the Champions League, as our fans take pride in us and our football, so we intend to demonstrate that tomorrow.

This marks the second meeting between the teams on Tyneside this season, following Barcelonas 2-1 victory thanks to Marcus Rashfords brace in their opening group stage match in September.

Newcastle has experienced a patchy campaign, yet Flick recognises their strong showings in Europe.

The Champions League stands apart. At this level, every side strives to deliver their peak performance, he noted.

They possess quick players on the break, excellent talents, top class individuals, and we need to cope with that and control it.

Barcelona arrives in England amid tensions between club president Joan Laporta and Flicks predecessor at Camp Nou, Xavi Hernandez.

With the presidential vote approaching next week, Flick remains concentrated on the match.

This is among the crucial periods of the season, as we aim to progress further, he stated.

We face a match here and must concentrate on it.