Hansi Flick: "We want to win the Champions League, but also three straight league titles"

Barcelona head to Levante this weekend for their fifth LaLiga match of the season, determined to extend a strong start to the campaign. Hansi Flick addressed reporters on Saturday and offered several clear messages: he is committed to squad rotation, he believes the team is more balanced than last year, and he admitted that the dressing room dreams of lifting the Champions League while also targeting a third consecutive league crown.

• Flick stands by his rotation policy and says he has two or three options in every position.
• The German coach praises Cubarsí, Pedri, Gavi and the entire defensive line for their current level.
• He says the club got it right with the signing of Hamza and highlights his preseason performances.
• He admits winning the Champions League is the dream, but also values three straight league titles.
• He refuses to discuss the Champions League clash or the Sevilla match: his only focus is Levante.

No debate over rotations in Flick's Barcelona

The German coach has no doubts about how he manages minutes. For Flick, rotating is part of the game and players must accept it naturally. He explained that he has two or three alternatives in every area of the pitch, which allows him to share the workload without damaging the team's collective performance. "Players must accept that others play. We have to keep this good run going," he said, convinced that internal competition raises the group's level.

That squad depth is, in his view, one of the biggest differences compared to last season. The coach sees a balanced squad and believes the team is performing better both in attack and defence. He singled out the entire back line, Pedri and Gavi for particular praise, though he had positive words for the whole group.

Cubarsí, maturity and physical growth after the World Cup

One of the standout names in the press conference was Pau Cubarsí. Flick was full of praise for the centre-back, who he says is in excellent form after the World Cup. The coach highlighted his concentration, his ability to use his body and a clear physical improvement that helps him win duels. He also praised his ball-playing ability, a quality that fits perfectly with Barcelona's style.

Alongside Cubarsí, he praised Joan's role in defence and stressed that the team's strong defensive displays are the result of daily work and competition between teammates. Defensive solidity is, for the German, a foundation of the team's strong start.

Hamza, a different profile for the attack

Asked about Hamza's emergence, Flick backed the club's move to sign him. He believes the young forward performed to a high standard during preseason and offers a profile that was missing from the squad. He described him as a project for the future with plenty of potential, although he made it clear that the player is already competing for a starting spot.

The coach noted that the attack offers three different profiles in Rapha, Gabriel and Hamza, but he did not rule out other options. Gordon, Olmo and Fermín can also play in advanced positions, which multiplies the attacking alternatives. On Rapha, he was blunt: "He is at a great level, that is why he is one of the best in the world."

Levante, a well-drilled opponent

Flick is taking nothing for granted against Levante. He praised their performance against Betis and described them as a very well-structured team with clear ideas in attack. The German expects a demanding match against an opponent that knows what to do with the ball and will test Barcelona's defensive solidity.

The coach insisted he is not thinking beyond this league fixture. Neither the midweek Champions League clash nor the Sevilla visit is on his mind: his attention is focused exclusively on Valencia. "I take it day by day," he said.

European dream and hunger for the league

On the praise from Cesc and the excitement surrounding the team, Flick kept his feet on the ground. He appreciated the kind words but stressed that the focus must remain on what Barcelona can control. "We focus on what is in our hands," he said. He knows there is a long way to go and that the current form guarantees nothing.

As for the targets, he was transparent. "Everyone wants to win the Champions League, it is our dream, but it is also important to win three straight league titles. It would be incredible," he admitted. He added that the key lies in the daily work: training, recovery, rest and nutrition. With matches every three days, Flick believes it is vital for players to understand what works for them and for the coaching staff to support them in reaching peak condition.

Improving off the pitch as well

The coach did not limit improvement to sporting matters. He explained that the club is working on all aspects, including the facilities, and revealed that a new gym will soon be available to help the squad's performance. For Flick, the days between matches are crucial, and better physical resources will make a difference over a long and demanding season.

Finally, he played down the recognition he receives from fans and club members. "I am just the coach. It is the players who play," he said. For the German, the real protagonists are the footballers, because of their mentality and attitude. A message that reinforces the idea of a united and hungry dressing room, determined to compete for every title.