Raphinha ready to start as Barcelona face Paris Saint-Germain, says Hansi Flick

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick says Raphinha is ready to start Tuesday’s Champions League meeting with Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes.

The match is Barcelona’s third in this season’s competition, with Flick’s side having won their opening two games.

Flick praised Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique, saying: “Luis Enrique? He has won the Champions League twice in succession and his team played wonderful football. I think he is an exceptional manager and one of the best in the world.”

The Barcelona boss believes the game will provide another important measure of his side’s progress.

“Tomorrow’s match will be another good test for us to see the level we have reached,” he said. “I want my team to play with confidence and courage, and to show the same team spirit and cooperation that we have demonstrated in the past 11 matches.”

Flick said Paris Saint-Germain would offer a particularly demanding challenge.

“We will face one of the best teams in the world, and perhaps the best of all,” he added. “For us, it is a good opportunity to show our true level, understand what we can produce and identify the areas where we still need to improve.

“I believe we will take many lessons and important pieces of information about our team from this match, regardless of what happens during it.”

Barcelona have defensive absences to manage, but Flick said he had several possible solutions available.

“We already have some options,” he said. “Eric can play in that position, as can Frenkie de Jong. Alex Campos is also with us and completed his first training session with the team.

“I am optimistic and hope everything goes well and that we do not suffer any further problems.”

Flick then gave a clear update on Raphinha’s involvement, saying: “Raphinha is ready to start.”

The manager also reflected on Barcelona’s meeting with Paris Saint-Germain last season, explaining that he felt the team had developed significantly since then.

“Last season was extremely difficult for me,” Flick said. “But this season, from the beginning, we have been playing in the style we want and in the way we expect the team to perform.

“I think we have become more confident when we have the ball, and we are also creating many scoring opportunities. That is why I see the situation as completely different.”

Barcelona’s approach includes playing with a high defensive line, a strategy Flick acknowledged carries an element of risk.

“Playing with a high defensive line always involves some risks,” he said. “In the end, it is about how we react when we lose the ball, how quickly we respond and the way we press the opponent.

“These are the things we must execute correctly. If we do that, I believe playing with a high line will become a major strength for us.”