Flick's Barcelona Focus on Champions League Semifinal Glory

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick believes his team's Copa del Rey win will provide extra motivation for their Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan.

Barcelona's Copa del Rey win over Real Madrid will provide extra motivation for their upcoming Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan, according to manager Hansi Flick. Flick's side, which tops LaLiga, secured the first part of their treble bid with a 3-2 extra-time win on Saturday.

Flick was asked if he needs to temper the players' enthusiasm ahead of Wednesday's home leg against Inter, but he believes the victory will fuel their drive rather than distract them.

🎙️ HANSI FLICK: “Everyone is focused. We know that we have to work hard to reach the final.” #BarçaInter @ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/7Ba0XzEFSc

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 29, 2025

“No, what I can see is that everyone is focused on this match, that everyone knows how important it is to be able to go to the Champions League final,” Flick told reporters.

“Also this win against Real is very important for the positive vibes, and it could push you also. We know that we have to work hard to reach the final. It's a dream for everyone to be here, we have to stay focused.

“Inter have a team where some players are at an age where maybe it's the last opportunity to reach a final and they will give 100%.”

Hansi Flick is monitoring his players' recovery after their intense Copa del Rey win over Real Madrid. “We'll see tomorrow, today is not the day to speak about the starting 11, tomorrow we will see what happens and how they recover,” Flick said ahead of Barcelona's Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan.

Flick acknowledged the differing recovery times, noting Inter played on Sunday, “Also, Inter played on Sunday and they have less hours of recovery but it's a Champions League semi-final and everyone wants to give 100%.”

Hansi Flick confirmed Wojciech Szczesny will remain Barcelona's first-choice goalkeeper in the Champions League, despite Marc-Andre ter Stegen's return from long-term injury.

Inter, meanwhile, has seen their treble bid end with a Coppa Italia semifinal exit to AC Milan, and they've also suffered back-to-back league losses, allowing Napoli to take top spot in Serie A with a three-point lead.

🎙️ HANSI FLICK: “We're only focused on the first match. Inter is a very difficult opponent.” #BarçaInter @ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/3AkMA9Z5bN

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 29, 2025

Hansi Flick won't alter Barcelona's approach despite Inter Milan's recent struggles. “The Champions League is also for Inter a big chance to win a title, they are two matches away from the final, the same as we are,” Flick said.

He emphasized his focus on his own team, stating, “It doesn't matter about the matches in the past. I don't think about that because it's not my job, I'm focused on my team.”