BARCELONA — Needing a win and several goals to secure a direct place in the Champions League top eight, coach Hansi Flick knows that Barcelona will have to be at “our best level” against Copenhagen on Wednesday.
Barcelona are in ninth position heading into the final round of matches in the league stage, with the same 13 points as seven other teams, including Chelsea in eighth, Newcastle in seventh and Paris Saint-Germain in sixth.
“The most important thing is that we do our job,” Flick said. “It won’t be an easy game. The goal is to qualify among the top eight.”
“We focus on what is ours, on what we have at hand,” he added. “We will not make excuses and we have desire and confidence. In our style, in how we play.”
Goal difference will likely be decisive for the teams that finish tied on points. The top eight automatically qualify for the round of 16, while those placing 9th to 24th will have to play in an additional playoff round.
“We have to go step by step. First we have to play the game and respect Copenhagen. We have to play at the highest level. Try to keep a clean sheet and then go step by step.”
Flick expressed that he felt confident because Barça was going through “a good moment” and was “in a good situation.” The Catalan club has won 13 of its last 14 games in all competitions and has scored 18 goals in its last six games.
Barça has 26 goals in its last 27 Champions League games, and none of its last 42 European games has ended without a goal.
Flick said striker Ferran Torres is expected to be available after recovering from a muscle injury, but midfielder Pedri remains out with a muscle problem. Midfielder Frenkie de Jong was ruled out due to suspension.
Barca will face 28-year-old Jordan Larsson, son of former striker Henrik Larsson, who won the 2006 Champions League with the Spanish club. He is the top scorer in all competitions for the Danes this season.
Copenhagen, who still have hopes of finishing in the top 24, are unbeaten in their last three Champions League games, equaling their longest unbeaten streak in the competition. They could become the first Danish club to reach 50 victories in the history of the European Cup and the Champions League.
Barça signed Roony Bardghji from Copenhagen last year. The 20-year-old midfielder
