"I'm not celebrating that we didn't draw PSG. Every game is important and never easy, this is the Champions League. Newcastle have a fantastic team, we saw it in their last games but also when we played there, so it's not easy. For me, it's always about respect for the opponent. Everyone wants to reach the final, including us, but Newcastle are also looking for that."
"All the Champions League teams are very good and have great quality. Playing against Atlético or Tottenham if we get through is also very difficult. It's fantastic to have this opportunity, but we have to respect all the teams."
Barcelona drew Newcastle in the Champions League Round of 16, landing in a favorable bracket that avoids top European teams like PSG, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Real Madrid. Manager Hansi Flick declined to celebrate avoiding stronger opponents, instead stressing that every Champions League team deserves respect and presents significant challenges. Flick noted Newcastle's quality and emphasized that Barcelona must approach all potential opponents with maximum respect. Despite the favorable draw, Barcelona faces pressure to prove themselves in Europe this season, having struggled recently and needing to improve before the first leg against Newcastle in less than two weeks.
Read at Barca Blaugranes
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