Hansi Flick has supported the FC Barcelona footballers despite their recent setbacks. “It’s normal to have a few setbacks in a season. But I have full confidence in the team,” said the coach of the Spanish top team before the Champions League duel at Borussia Dortmund (Wednesday, 9 p.m./DAZN): “I am absolutely convinced of this team.

In games against Real Madrid (4:0) or Bayern Munich (4:1), Barcelona would have “shown what qualities we have,” said Flick: “I see how the players work every day in training. That is the best prerequisite for maturing as a team. We are a young team, it is clear that we cannot be at 100 percent in every game.

After a brilliant start to the season, the Catalans recently stumbled. In the league they almost lost their lead at the top of the table, winning only one of their last five games. In the premier class, Barcelona is against course.

The “incredible atmosphere” in the sold-out stadium in Dortmund should inspire his team and not inhibit him. “We also have a lot of fans here, we have to use the support,” demanded Flick: “We are playing in one of the most beautiful stadiums ever.”