Flick talks Pedri, Ter Stegen, Casado, Gavi, de Jong, Ansu ahead of Villarreal vs Barcelona

Barcelona will aim to further consolidate their position at the top of the La Liga standings when they take on Villarreal away at Estadio de la Ceramica on Sunday.

The Blaugrana have won five in five in La Liga this season and are sitting comfortably at the top with 15 points.

Following the defeat to AS Monaco in their UEFA Champions League opener, Barcelona will be intent on producing a strong reaction and returning to winning ways right away.

Ahead of the game, manager Hansi Flick spoke to the media in his press conference, providing an update on the fitness situation of his players and discussing other matters.

On Villarreal and Monaco

Kicking off, Flick discussed the defeat to AS Monaco and what they gleaned from that game, saying:

“We analysed everything, we saw positive aspects. It’s true that we lost, we have to keep working with the same logic and I approach the match in a positive way.”

On facing Villarreal, he added: “They are the third highest scoring team, they are strong in defence and we have to be focused. It’s nice to see them play.”

Talking about the team’s brilliant start to the season, Flick stated that it gives him and the team confidence, saying:

“When you think positive, you always think you will win every game. Good results encourage me to keep believing. I know we lost against Monaco and today we talked about how we defended, we did very well.

“What we have taught the players is how to face good teams like Villarreal. They all know what positions to occupy, areas to cover. When there is a good connection you play very well.”

On whether he is bothered by the outside noise following the defeat to Monaco, the manager replied:

“When you lose a game, it’s obviously not positive. I’m not worried about what happens outside, what the press or the fans say.

“We have to analyse the game and be honest with the players, regardless of whether we win or lose. We have to accept the defeats, I don’t think it’s a question of performance.”

On the squad

Given the fixture pile-up, fatigue and wear-and-tear for players is a concern, and Flick admitted that the club’s fitness department was working hard to keep the likes of Pedri and Pau Cubarsi, in particular, in the best shape possible.

“We don’t make excuses, third games in seven days, but we can manage it. We have to look after the players. We have to manage this with legs. The medical team is managing it well. We have to look after Cubarsi, Pedri… but we have to focus on recovery,” he said.

Pedri and Marc Casado did not train with the rest of the team today, but Flick confirmed that the duo will be available tomorrow, saying:

“I think they will be able to play. Marc had no pain and is better today. The same goes for Pedri. We have to look after them, let them rest.”

Eric Garcia started as the No. 6 against Monaco in midweek but was shown a red card just ten minutes. Talking about the versatile defender, Flick stated:

“I have spoken to Eric because I know his situation because he likes to work as a defender, but we need him as a No. 6. In training, I see him very well. In Monaco, it’s a fact of life.”

Barcelona are currently without a host of top players out injured, but Flick insisted that he is not pushing for anyone to return right away, especially Frenkie de Jong and Gavi, given their complicated injuries.

“It is not the plan to recover. I don’t count on them, I only focus on those who can play, those who are active. De Jong doesn’t have an easy injury, the same as Gavi. I’m happy with their recovery but they need time,” he said.

The manager also spoke positively about Ansu Fati, who made his first appearance of the season against Monaco, saying:

“I hope we see his best version. When you come back from injury, you have to adapt. We want to give him the opportunity to give him minutes because he needs it to be a starter again. He can help us a lot.”

Flick was also asked about goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen and the mistake he committed against Monaco which led to Garcia’s sending-off. Backing the goalkeeper, the manager said:

“It [playing out from the back] is one of Ter Stegen’s strengths. Not just stopping balls but having it at his feet is part of our style. And it often starts with Ter Stegen.

“Mistakes are human. We have to learn, we have analysed it. I hope I have given clear orders so that it doesn’t happen. I hope it doesn’t happen.”

Flick also reserved some praise for left-back Alejandro Balde, saying: “He is an important player, he is doing well. He can improve. He is always involved.

“He has a very good attacking performance, I love him. He has a lot of room for improvement. He is a key player. He can be part of the national team again.”

When asked about whether he felt Barcelona needed more signings in the summer, Flick responded:

“I never think about new signings. Every season, every team has to face this same reality. There are always departures and we have to accept that. We have to focus on those who can play.

“Let them give one hundred percent. What I see from everyone is that they give their all in training. They are on the right track.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo