Flick focused on Champions League clash amid Barcelona renewal talks

Hansi Flick believes "it's not the time now" to speak about his contract renewal at Barcelona as they prepare to take on Newcastle United in the Champions League last 16.

Barca president Joan Laporta, who recently won the club's presidential elections, revealed that he wants Flick to extend his stay until 2028 and that an agreement is close.

Flick helped Barca win the domestic treble last season, while they are leading LaLiga this term and are one of the favourites to win the Champions League.

According to the Opta supercomputer, Barca are third favourites to win Europe's premier competition (11.2%), after Arsenal (28%) and Bayern Munich (21.2%).

However, Flick, who has won 78 of his 104 matches in charge of Barca (75%), is not focused on his contract renewals at the moment.

"I don't think it's the right time. We have a very important match," said the German coach.

"Everyone knows I'm very happy here, but I need to talk to my family. There will be time to talk, it's not the time now.

"It's clear I love working here. Most importantly, what I feel is that I have a great family here. I have the support of Barcelona, ​​but this is football.

"I'm here to help reach the highest level, but there's still time. I'm not thinking about going anywhere else. This will be my last club, my last job, and I'm delighted."

Barcelona have won both of their previous home games against Newcastle in the Champions League, beating them 1-0 in November 1997 and 3-1 in December 2002.

Flick insisted his Barca side must improve if they are to win the competition, with their last-16 tie currently level at 1-1.

"This is football, and many things can change," added the Barca boss.

"We have to be positive because there's a lot of quality in the squad. We'll see if we're capable of winning the Champions League, but we need to improve.

"We need to play with confidence, and that's important for tomorrow [Newcastle]. If they play man-to-man, we'll have to find the spaces. We've analysed and practised it."