Coaches' statements before the Champions League and English League Cup matches

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick is confident in his team's ability to win the Champions League title, before facing Dutch Feyenoord, on Wednesday, in the first round of the league stage.

Flick said in a press conference on Tuesday: “The Champions League is the biggest tournament, and we are capable of winning its title, but we have a very long way to go, and all the clubs want to win the title, so we have to prove our abilities.”

The German coach added: “Barcelona includes many experienced people, but the team’s collectiveness is the most important, and we must make the maximum effort possible every day. We achieved four consecutive victories at the start of our league journey, and this is not an easy matter.”

He continued in statements reported by the newspaper “Mundo Deportivo”: “It is possible that some players will be dissatisfied with their position in the team, but every player has to prove himself, because our level in matches is the same performance that we provide in training, and we must continue that.”

The Barcelona coach stressed: “We have to be a cohesive team on the field, support each other, and perform better, and I see that the players are committed to that.”

Hansi Flick said that the Spanish League title is no less important than the Champions League, saying: “Certainly the Champions League has great value, but we also dream of winning the league title for a third season in a row, and we are working on that, because it will be a special achievement.”

Flick went on to praise the young star, Lamine Yamal, saying: “He is able to decide matches on his own. He has great technical abilities, and always strives to develop his level. He also currently enjoys being one of the team’s leaders. He loves football, and this is important for him to give his best.”

He continued: “Barcelona includes many wonderful players, and I will be happy if one of them wins the Golden Ball, but what is most important to me is the player’s mentality and behavior on a daily basis. There are many players who can win the Best in the World award.”

Liverpool coach Andoni Iraola believes that his first match as coach in the Champions League at home to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday will give a good indication of the level of his team.

The first victory this season, Friday, over newly promoted Ipswich cannot be considered a true measure of the extent to which the team has adapted to the change in the style of play adopted by the Basque coach since he took over from Ernie Slott in the summer.

This match will also be a test of the capabilities of Iraola himself; He had never trained at this level, as he participated in only three matches in the most important European club championship as a player with Athletic Bilbao.

Liverpool faced Atletico at home in the opening of the Champions League last season, achieving its third successive victory over coach Diego Simeone's team, where Virgil van Dijk's stoppage-time goal decided the win, after Liverpool had surrendered a two-0 lead.

"It's definitely a special night for me, everyone talks about Champions League nights at Anfield," Iraola said.

He continued in statements reported by the British news agency, PA Media: “It is a great responsibility and a tremendous challenge, but I feel proud to be on the field on match day.”

He concluded by saying: “It is a real test for the team as a whole, and I think it will show us a little where we are.”

Xabi Alonso, coach of the English football team, Chelsea, confirmed that defender Levi Colville is ready to participate against Leeds United, on Wednesday, in the third round of the English Football League Cup, while four players continue to be absent from the team’s ranks.

Chelsea suffered its first defeat this season when it lost to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, but it will get a quick opportunity to return to the path of victories when it hosts Leeds at Stamford Bridge, in search of a ticket to qualify for the fourth round.

Colville was on the substitutes list in the Arsenal match, but did not participate due to a physical problem, before Alonso confirmed his readiness to play against Leeds, in a match of special importance between the two teams.

On the other hand, Alonso will not be able to rely on Moises Caicedo and Marco Balestra, as the Spanish coach confirmed that the duo is not yet ready to participate, indicating that he does not want to risk accelerating their return.

“They are still not ready, and this is not the right time to risk their early return,” Alonso said in a press conference on Tuesday. “We will deal with the matter gradually, but it is still early.”

Alonso also confirmed the continued absence of newcomers Emmanuel Imaiga and Jordan Henderson, expressing his frustration at Palestra's inability to participate in the team's first matches this season, especially after the level the Italian player presented during the preparation period.

“It's especially frustrating for him,” Alonso said of Palestra. He came with great energy and a great desire to enjoy his experience in the English Premier League. He had a very good pre-season, but he suffered an injury a few days before our first match against Fulham.”

Chelsea's official website quoted Alonso as saying: “This is the nature of a footballer's life, to come back after an injury, and we will definitely need him.” He has great potential and will add a lot of good qualities that we need in the team.”