Barcelona need leaders to fulfil Flick’s Champions League dream

As Barcelona's coach, Hansi Flick, I've made it clear: our Champions League dream requires more than just talent; it demands leadership on the field. We saw it again in the quarter-finals against Atletico Madrid, where the absence of crucial players like Frenkie de Jong and Raphinha, coupled with a lack of vocal guidance, cost us dearly. This isn't an excuse, but a reality we must confront.

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We need these types of players, capable of providing leadership on the pitch, to speak up during matches, in the quarter-finals or semi-finals of the Champions League, and to show the way.

Last season, we had players like Inigo Martinez who embodied that leadership. This current squad, largely products of our esteemed La Masia academy, is young and has immense potential. However, potential alone doesn't win Champions League titles. These young talents must learn to step up, to communicate, and to lead during the high-stakes moments of European competition.

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It is not an excuse but in the business end of the campaign in March and April, it is very important to have all the players available.

While we are on course to retain our La Liga title, a nine-point lead with seven games remaining shows our domestic strength, the Champions League is a different beast. We need players who can speak up, show the way, and inspire confidence when the pressure is at its highest. I believe in this team's future, and with the right strategic decisions in the transfer market, we can build a squad capable of achieving our European ambitions. My contract may be nearing its end, but my commitment to this club's success, especially in Europe, remains absolute.

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I believe we can do it, we have a fantastic team for the years ahead, and one must make the right decisions, notably in the transfer market.