Flick issues warning ahead of Istanbul: "I'll be happy if we win 1-0" against Galatasaray

Istanbul is gearing up to host Barcelona, and Hansi Flick is already sounding the alarm: this won't be a stroll in the park. The German coach faced the press ahead of the matchday two clash in the Champions League against Galatasaray and made clear that the atmosphere at Ali Sami Yen is the kind that can overwhelm visitors.

"We need to be ready, it's one of the best stadiums in the world, it's really good to play here," the Barcelona boss admitted, having nothing but praise for the Turkish supporters. "What the fans do against really big teams is impressive, they're very strong," he added, before turning his attention to the danger posed by a rival with the likes of Osimhen in its ranks. "They have good players, I want us to work hard defensively," Flick warned, before being candid about his ambitions for the match: "I'll also be happy if we win 1-0 because my goal is to win, and this opponent plays very well, especially at home."

Flick sidesteps any controversy beyond the match

The trip to Turkey ran longer than expected, and the press conferences, both Flick's and Pau Cubarsi's, started more than half an hour late. Once settled in Istanbul, the German coach showed no interest whatsoever in wading into the issues swirling around Real Madrid these days and their complaints about refereeing.

I hope one day you'll learn that I never respond to this kind of controversy. I have respect for that team, we need to focus on tomorrow's match and I don't want to talk about this.Hansi Flick

He also declined to weigh in on Vinicius's possible suspension. "You can ask me about that in two weeks," he replied, making it clear his mind was solely on Galatasaray.

Barcelona chasing a perfect record

What Flick did stress was the need to avoid complacency despite the team's start to the season, with nine wins in nine matches across LaLiga (eight) and the Champions League (one). "Tomorrow won't be an easy match. It's a test for us, we have to show why we're doing so well. Football can change very quickly if we lose focus," he warned. The German coach is still without Raphinha and will have three other absences for the match.

Before Flick, Pau Cubarsi had taken his turn in the press room, equally tight-lipped when it came to the eternal rival: "I don't pay attention to Madrid. What comes from outside doesn't interest me," the center back said, closing the door on the subject.

Where the academy product did open up was when discussing the Ballon d'Or, to be awarded on October 26 in London. Cubarsi, named best young player at the World Cup and the clear favorite for the Kopa Trophy, had no hesitation when talking about his teammate Lamine Yamal.

Everyone knows Lamine is the best in the world. He knows it and everyone knows it. He deserves the Ballon d'Or, of course. I could be in the running too because of the World Cup I had, but I take it easier and he's more in the spotlight.Pau Cubarsi

With that spirit of mutual respect among teammates and their focus set squarely on the opponent at hand, Barcelona heads into Istanbul for a match that could truly gauge the real level of this perfect start.