Hansi Flick admits wariness of 'tall team' Newcastle as Barcelona boss pays tribute to Eddie Howe

Barcelona begin their Champions League campaign with a trip to Newcastle in Gameweek One. Flick has been clear about the challenge awaiting his team, describing Newcastle as a tall, intense, and physically strong outfit, especially following their signing of 6ft 6in Nick Woltemade this summer.

Speaking to the media, Flick said: "I have never been here [St. James' Park]. 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."

He added: "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 it's normal. But I think that the players are able to play against this style.",

Barcelona know they must adapt to Newcastle’s intensity, but the aerial threat of Woltemade is viewed as a key challenge for the relatively short Blaugrana backline. The German forward has already shown his ability to make an impact, and his 6ft 6in frame poses a major problem for any defence. As per SPORT, Flick is relying on Ronald Araujo to step up and neutralise him, with the Uruguayan’s physicality and aerial strength seen as Barcelona’s best answer. However, Araujo faces a lot of pressure after his slow start to the season, which has seen Eric Garcia replace him as a starter.

Barcelona will aim to get their Champions League journey off to a winning start, though Flick knows it won’t come easily. Araujo’s ability to contain Woltemade could be decisive in determining the outcome. For Newcastle, it’s a chance to prove themselves against one of Europe’s heavyweights in front of a raucous home crowd.