Hansi Flick, Barcelona's coach, asserted that his team possesses the quality to rival financially powerful Premier League clubs in the Champions League. His comments came on 9/3, ahead of Barca's round of 16 first leg against Newcastle at St James' Park.

Newcastle is one of 6 Premier League representatives in this season's Champions League round of 16, where they are competing for a quarter-final spot against Barca. The two teams will play the second leg at Camp Nou on 18/3.

Flick expressed admiration for the Premier League, calling it "the best in the world" due to its strong teams and substantial financial resources, which enable sound decision-making. He noted this explains the presence of 6 English teams in this Champions League round.

Coach Hansi Flick at the press conference before Barca's match against Newcastle in the Champions League round of 16 first leg on 9/3/2026. Photo: PA

Despite the Premier League's strength, the German coach emphasized Barca's comparable quality to top English sides like Man City, Arsenal, and Liverpool. "We are also very strong," Flick stated, highlighting the importance of adhering to Barca's distinctive playing style. "We want to play football that embodies Barca's identity, even in the Champions League. Our fans are always proud of how we play, and that is what we want to demonstrate."

Newcastle's domestic form has been inconsistent, with the Magpies losing three of their 5 recent Premier League matches, dropping to 12th position, and being eliminated from the FA Cup by Man City last weekend. However, Flick cautioned against underestimating the home team, anticipating intense pressure from their high-energy play and passionate crowd. "The Champions League is a different story. In this round, every team wants to show their best version," he remarked, expecting a "great atmosphere" that will push Newcastle to high-press and play with intensity.

Barcelona faces several injury concerns, with Jules Kounde, Alejandro Balde, Andreas Christensen, Gavi, and Frenkie de Jong sidelined. Midfielder Marc Bernal is set to return after recovering from a stomach issue. Marcus Rashford, who scored two goals in Barca's 2-1 group stage victory over Newcastle in September at St James' Park, could also feature after returning to the starting lineup in their 1-0 win against Bilbao last weekend.

Meanwhile, Newcastle coach Eddie Howe described the Barcelona fixture as a special milestone for his club. He underlined that reaching the Champions League round of 16 is a significant achievement, urging his team to capitalize on this rare opportunity. "There are only 16 teams left in the Champions League, and we are one of them. This is an opportunity to seize a moment that we might never have again," Howe stated. "Nobody knows what will happen tomorrow, let alone in future seasons. We do not want to waste this chance and then wonder 'what if'."

Howe also evoked a historic memory, recalling Newcastle's 3-2 victory over Barca at St James' Park in 1997, featuring a hat-trick from Faustino Asprilla under coach Kenny Dalglish. "I still remember it as a legendary match. You want people to still talk about your team in that way later on," he added. "I want our players to also be spoken about 20, 30, or 40 years from now."

Hong Duy (according to ESPN, The Guardian)