Flick confirms Barcelona's readiness to face Benfica despite sadness over team doctor's death

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said his team succeeded in focusing on preparing for the match against Benfica in the second leg of the round of 16 in the Champions League on Tuesday, after the death of Carles Minaro, the team's doctor.

Menard died on Saturday, hours before Barcelona's league match against Osasuna, which was postponed.

Flick explained that Minaro played a big role in the team's success, noting that the players are in mourning. The German coach continued in statements a day before the match against Benfica: "It is a big loss."

"Carles was a great person and a great doctor too, that combination was great for the club and the team, we will miss him a lot," Flick said.

The German coach explained that he felt that his players were able to focus completely on training.

"It's a very difficult situation but you want to do the right thing," said the German coach. "The team is very focused and trying to get through it. The best way to do that is to win."

Barcelona will face Benfica after winning the first leg 1-0 in Lisbon despite playing most of the match with 10 men after defender Pau Coparsi was sent off.

Source: Agencies