Pique backs Flick’s Barcelona to achieve greatness – ‘Hope they win even more titles than we did’ | OneFootball

Barcelona aim to return to the UEFA Champions League final after a ten-year absence, but they must first overcome Inter Milan in the semi-finals.

It is a storyline that mirrors the events of 2010, which ended in disappointment for the Catalan side. That year, Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan eliminated Pep Guardiola’s team, denying them a second consecutive final appearance.

Pique reflects on 2010 elimination vs Inter Milan

One of the key figures on that difficult night at Camp Nou was Gerard Pique. The centre-back scored the only goal of the second leg and, in an interview with Sky Sports (h/t SPORT), reflected on the controversial elimination.

“They were two very difficult matches: we travelled to Milan by bus because of the volcanic eruption in Iceland and lost 3–1, despite a goal from Diego Milito that was clearly offside,” said Pique.

“In the return leg we gave everything; I had scored and then Bojan Krkic’s 2–0 goal was disallowed, which would have meant qualification, which I believe was regular,” he added.

“They were two very tough games; we would have liked to reach the final, but it was not possible.”

Pique backs Barcelona for success under Hansi Flick

This season, the story could unfold differently. Barcelona enter the semi-finals as the clear favourites to win the title, although Inter Milan are the best defensive team in the competition.

“I believe Barcelona are slightly the favourites. Inter are doing very well, but they have been struggling in recent matches, while Barça come from winning the Copa del Rey and are playing very well,” noted Pique.

Hansi Flick is building something special. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

“We will see two great matches, let us hope Barcelona win,” said the former Barcelona captain.

Hansi Flick has been central to the team’s transformation this season. After lifting the Copa del Rey, Barcelona are now chasing the treble. With La Liga nearly secured, the Champions League remains the major goal.

Barcelona are the only Spanish club to have won the treble – and they have done it twice. When asked about whether Flick’s side could reach the level of his generation, Pique replied:

“Why not? The team is made up of strong, determined young players, and the fans are behind them. I hope they win even more titles than we did, because they are proving to be excellent players.

“Their youth allows them to keep winning for a long time. Now they must take advantage of these two matches against Inter to reach the final.”

Indeed, one of the main strengths of this team lies in its young players. Pau Cubarsi, Lamine Yamal, and Pedri are guiding this Barcelona side towards a potential treble and aim to bring many more years of success to the club.

“We hope they can reach our level, and we also hope they can do even better. We want Barça to win as many trophies as possible; they have a long future ahead of them and the experience needed to win matches like today’s,” insisted Pique.

“One day they will win the Champions League; they already have the international experience needed to win titles, maybe even the Champions League this year,” the legendary defender concluded.