Hansi Flick Ready for ‘Tall Team’ Newcastle Test as Barcelona Face Champions League Opener

Barcelona’s Champions League journey kicks off under the floodlights of St James’ Park on Thursday night, and Hansi Flick knows exactly what awaits him: a roaring Geordie crowd, a physically imposing Newcastle side, and one of the most intense atmospheres in European football.

The German coach, who took over at Barça in the summer, has been full of praise for Eddie Howe’s work in transforming Newcastle into a dangerous, high-energy team capable of troubling Europe’s elite. But Flick is also clear that his own side must be ready to adapt — and quickly — if they want to leave England with three points.

Hansi Flick Aware of Newcastle’s Physical Threat

In his pre-match press conference, Flick admitted that Newcastle present a very different challenge to what Barcelona usually face in La Liga. The physical size of the Magpies, particularly after their summer signing of 6ft 6in striker Nick Woltemade, is something he and his staff have prepared for.

“I have never been here [St James’ Park],” Flick said with a smile. “My players tell me it is maybe the best atmosphere in the Premier League. I expect a really strong team, a tall team with a high intensity, with a lot of dynamic to go in the second balls vertically. They are playing really well. It is a team that has been built over the last years. Eddie Howe and his coaching staff have done a fantastic job.”

Flick also acknowledged that Barcelona will have little time to train for such a unique challenge, but insisted that his squad is mentally prepared. “We have to adapt to the opponents, and we will do it. Every match plan is like that — to adapt to what we have to do against the style of the opponents. We do not have a long time to train because every three or four days we are playing, but that’s normal. I think that the players are able to play against this style.”

Barcelona’s Plan to Handle Woltemade

Newcastle’s biggest weapon might just be their aerial game. The signing of Nick Woltemade added another dimension to Howe’s attack, giving the Magpies a towering target man who thrives on crosses and set-pieces.

Barcelona, with a backline that isn’t exactly the tallest in Europe, will have to find a way to neutralise him. SPORT reports that Flick is counting on Ronald Araújo to step up and deal with the challenge. The Uruguayan defender, who has had a mixed start to the season, will be under pressure to win his duels in the air and prevent Newcastle from exploiting their height advantage.

Araújo’s battle with Woltemade could prove to be one of the defining individual matchups of the night. Flick, a former midfielder himself, knows that defending against a physically dominant forward requires more than just size. It will be about positioning, timing, and keeping composure in a hostile environment.

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle Enter the Spotlight

Hansi Flick

While Barcelona are one of football’s giants, this game is just as big for Newcastle. This is their chance to show that their return to the Champions League is not just a nostalgic throwback but the start of a new era where they belong among Europe’s best.

Eddie Howe has built a team that combines technical ability with relentless work rate, and St James’ Park will be bouncing from the first whistle. Newcastle’s supporters waited two decades for this moment — their first home Champions League game since 2003 — and they will make sure their presence is felt.

Howe himself has earned respect across Europe for the job he has done. When he took over, Newcastle were in a relegation battle. Now they are competing with Barcelona on the biggest stage. Flick’s praise of Howe was genuine, and it is clear the Barça coach sees this match as a real test of his team’s character.

Barcelona’s Chance to Make a Statement

Ronald Araujo

For Barcelona, this is about more than just three points. The Catalans have had a mixed run in Europe in recent years, often falling short in the knockout stages and failing to live up to their historic reputation. Flick has been brought in not just to win La Liga, but to restore Barça as a true contender in the Champions League.

A victory at St James’ Park would send a message that Barcelona are serious this season. But Flick knows that this won’t be easy. The tempo of the game, the crowd, and the physicality of Newcastle will push his team to their limits.

Flick’s plan will likely focus on controlling possession, slowing the game down when necessary, and avoiding getting dragged into a physical battle that suits Newcastle more. If Barcelona can impose their style and force Newcastle to chase the ball, they will have a chance to silence the home crowd.

A Night of High Stakes in Newcastle

Thursday night promises to be one of the standout fixtures of Gameweek One. Newcastle’s dream return to the Champions League meets Barcelona’s quest for redemption, and everything points to a tense, dramatic evening under the lights.

For Hansi Flick, it is a first taste of St James’ Park and a first big European test as Barcelona manager. For Eddie Howe, it is another chance to prove that his team can mix it with Europe’s very best.

Whether Barcelona’s technical brilliance or Newcastle’s intensity wins out could shape the course of Group F — and maybe even the tournament itself. One thing is certain: Flick and his players know exactly what they’re walking into. And if they want to leave with a result, they will need to match Newcastle not just tactically, but physically and mentally too.