123over-Flick says team atmosphere is still good despite loss of doctor

( 123over )Hansi Flick is determined to lead the Blaugrana to victory over Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday in tribute to their team doctor. 123over

Hansi Flick has said the atmosphere in Barcelona’s dressing room remains positive despite the death of team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia on Saturday, ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League last-16 second-leg clash with Benfica, Diario Sport reported on Monday. 

‘I think the team is handling the situation well, we are very focused on the game. I said after the game in Lisbon that this is only the first game,’ Flick said.

The German coach also showed his determination to win in tribute to Carles Minarro Garcia, saying: ‘The president (Joan Laporta) said something in the dressing room. He said it on Sunday and I spoke to the team yesterday. It’s a big loss. He was a good man and a good doctor. ‘

‘He’s done an incredible job for the team and the club, the team he’s built with Rigard (Pruna), he’s been a big part of what’s made us successful.’

‘We will miss him, but sometimes it’s my life. We want to play for him. In this situation, it’s very important to win. We are ready, we have to move on. This is our job. It’s an important situation for the club and we want to do well. ‘

Barcelona have also asked UEFA to allow a minute’s silence before the game in tribute to the team doctor, after the players and coaching staff held a minute’s silence before training on Monday. The club agreed with UEFA that the players would not be sent to a media briefing before Saturday’s game, and some members of the squad will attend a funeral service on Tuesday morning.

Flick also believes his team will be focused on their task and have no intention of underestimating their opponents. ‘The team looks very focused to me and we spoke about it this morning. In our talks this morning we talked about both the good and the bad from the first game. For us, nobody thinks the job is done because we still have the second game. We need to have the right attitude, it is necessary for tomorrow. ‘ ( 123over )