Hansi Flick is confident that his players are ready for Sunday's Clásico against Real Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou (9pm CET). Speaking at his customary pre-match press conference, the Barça coach was upbeat despite Tuesday's defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. "The players have recovered and they're ready for this game," he declared.

Real Madrid: 'One of the best in the world'

Flick was full of praise for Sunday's opponents. "Real Madrid are one of the best teams in the world. They're a great club with great players and a great coach. They have enormous quality, especially in the final third, and they've done well in their recent games. We'll need to be ready."

He also had warm words for José Mourinho, who will be in the opposition dugout. "I have great respect for him. He's managed some great teams over many years, and he's been successful. He's proved his quality time and again. He's a very successful coach and a great colleague."

Confident camp

For Flick, the Clásico is one of the highlights of the football calendar. "It's the best this sport has to offer. It's much more than three points. I think everyone involved knows how we want to play, and that's what matters. We're ready and I have confidence in my team."

The German also reflected on Tuesday's defeat in Paris. "We've analysed the game. We did some things very well, but there are other areas where we need to improve. We have to keep growing as a team. Tomorrow is a great opportunity to do that and show how we want to play."

Rodri and Espart

Flick was also asked about Rodri and Xavi Espart, both of whom have played important roles in recent matches.

On Rodri, he said: "He gives us something extra, and we've already seen that in the opening games. I'm very happy he's here."

He was equally complimentary about Espart, while stressing that the young full-back still has plenty to learn. "For me, he's an incredible player, but there's room for improvement. We have to keep working with him. He needs to keep proving himself, and we'll continue helping him."

Olmo and Kounde ruled out

Flick confirmed that Dani Olmo will miss the game after suffering an injury against PSG. "Olmo was in a really good place. He was fit and at 100%. He's been unlucky, but we have to accept it. We'll miss him."

Jules Kounde will also be unavailable, with Flick making it clear that "we don't want to take any risks with him."