Barcelona’s Winning Run Faces PSG Test in Paris, Says Hansi Flick

Barcelona take an 11-match winning run and 48 goals to Paris on Tuesday, but Hansi Flick has framed the Champions League meeting with Paris Saint-Germain as the clearest measure yet of his side’s progress. PSG, winners of the past two European titles, host Barça at the Parc des Princes after both clubs opened the league phase with two victories.

A defining European examination

PSG underlined their standing with a 4-2 win away to Manchester City last week, while Barcelona arrive having won every match since the campaign began. Flick wants his players to approach the occasion without abandoning the attacking identity they have developed.

• Barcelona have won 11 consecutive matches at the start of the season.
• They have scored 48 times during that run.
• PSG and Barcelona each have six points from their first two Champions League fixtures.
• PSG beat Barcelona 2-1 in Spain when the teams met in last season’s league phase.

Speaking on Monday, Flick said the trip offered Barcelona a chance to establish where they stand against the continent’s elite. He called on his team to play with belief, courage and collective discipline, as they have during their winning sequence.

The German said PSG have been Europe’s outstanding team over the last two years and described the match as an opportunity for Barcelona both to demonstrate their level and identify areas requiring improvement.

Flick sees a changed Barcelona

Barcelona have not lifted the Champions League since 2015, and Flick accepted that Luis Enrique’s PSG possess greater experience as a unit. He praised the French champions’ development and their achievements together under their coach.

However, Flick believes his own side are in a markedly stronger position than they were a year ago. He described last season as difficult, whereas this campaign has begun with Barcelona playing the style he expects from the outset.

He pointed to the team’s assurance in possession and their regular chance creation as evidence of that change, while stressing that one fixture against PSG will not settle the wider question of Barcelona’s standing.

Defensive shortages shape selection

Flick has a significant injury problem at the back for the Paris match. Pau Cubarsí is the only recognised centre-back confirmed available, leaving the coach to consider alternatives from elsewhere in the squad.

• Andreas Christensen will miss the match.
• Jules Koundé is unavailable.
• Eric García is also ruled out.
• Gerard Martín remains a minor doubt after suffering a knock in the weekend victory over Real Betis.
• Raphinha is fit enough to start after returning from a hamstring problem as a substitute against Betis.

Flick said Rodri and Frenkie de Jong could operate in defence if required, while B-team player Álex Campos has travelled with the senior group. The Barcelona coach acknowledged it was not an ideal moment to lose so many defenders, but said the squad had to deal with the situation and that he remained optimistic.