HANSI FLICK: TITLES ARE WON IN MAY, NOT IN OCTOBER

While the repercussions of the shaking defeat received against Paris Saint-Germain on the UEFA Champions League stage continue at full speed, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick made highly striking statements at the press conference held right after the match. Responding with great composure to the criticisms directed about the squad choices and the performance on the pitch of the team leaving the field defeated, the German coach clearly pointed to the giant derby to be played at the weekend. While answering the questions of the press members, the manager openly admitted that the El Clasico struggle to be played against arch-rival Real Madrid on Sunday became a directly determining factor on the starting 11 put on the pitch. Stating that going out to one of the biggest rivalries in the world changed the tactical planning, the experienced technical man gave an extremely clear answer to the questions regarding leaving midfield dynamo Rodri on the bench in particular. Expressing that Rodri would definitely have started the match in the starting 11 if Sunday's rival was not Real Madrid, the successful coach stated having to save the physical integrity and energy of the team for the giant derby. Arguing that this surprise defeat received against Paris Saint-Germain does not diminish anything from the long-term goals, the German manager called for patience from the fans. Emphasizing that the actual determining period in Europe's biggest football organizations like the Champions League and the local league is not the autumn months, the manager reminded that titles are won in May and June, the final stage of the season, not in October. Stating that necessary lessons will be learned from this defeat but the main focus is the giant appointment on Sunday, the technical committee absolutely does not doubt the general progress. The Catalan giant has turned all concentration to the big match.

GÖRSEL: BARCA BLAUGRANES