Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has described Paris Saint-Germain as the “best team in the world” ahead of their UEFA Champions League meeting in Paris on Tuesday.
According to UAE media, Viory, Flick made the remarks on Monday during a press conference ahead of the encounter, which will go ahead despite violent protests, looting and arrests across France over the weekend.
Barcelona players, including teenage forward Lamine Yamal, were seen training at the Parc des Princes ahead of the match, as Flick and midfielder Pedri addressed the media.
The two sides will be seeking to maintain their perfect starts to the competition, with Barcelona aiming for another European title and PSG pursuing a third consecutive Champions League triumph.
“Tomorrow will be a good test again for us – it’s the best team in the world, and it’s for us a good opportunity to show, okay, what our level is,” Flick said.
The German tactician also praised PSG manager Luis Enrique, who guided Barcelona to their last Champions League title in 2015 before taking charge of the French club.
“He won two Champions League titles in a row, and his team played fantastic football,” Flick said.
I think he is an excellent coach, one of the best coaches in the world,” he added.
Meanwhile, Pedri backed Yamal to make a significant impact in the contest but cautioned against comparing the teenager with Barcelona legend Lionel Messi.
“I think he’s a player who really makes a huge difference, I think he shouldn’t compare himself to anyone because, well, as you said, if he looks at Leo, it’s difficult to measure yourself against the best in history,” Pedri said.
The fixture is scheduled to proceed despite unrest in France, where protests over the cost of living and education conditions have been followed by violence, looting and thousands of arrests.
French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu confirmed on Monday that the match would not be postponed, with additional security measures planned around the stadium.
Police have also imposed overnight curfews in parts of Paris and restrictions on demonstrations in the capital ahead of the high-profile European encounter.
