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1 month ago
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Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has said that Dani Olmo is not currently match-fit since he started training with the team quite late.
Speaking ahead of Barcelona’s first match of the 2024/25 La Liga season, Flick shed light on several aspects, saying that he is looking forward to the fixture. Although he anticipates that this will be a tricky match, he seems excited.
“I am really looking forward to the match. I know that in Valencia it is always difficult,” said the Barcelona manager as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
“It will be a tough game. They like to attack, so we will have to keep an eye on the space between the defence and the goal.
“We can’t even think about anything that can’t be changed. We’re going to focus on what we can influence.
“I have experience and I’ve come here accepting the facts that I can’t control. I hope we’ll see a good show and we can win in Valencia.”
On Olmo, Pedri and Lamine Yamal
Dani Olmo will not play against Valencia. (Photo by MANAURE QUINTERO/AFP via Getty Images)
The manager went on the share his thoughts on Olmo, saying, “He is not in adequate physical condition for tomorrow. He started training late.”
It must be noted that Pedri is currently unavailable for selection, but the midfielder is working to get fit for the match. Although it is extremely difficult, he might start the game from the bench.
“Pedri is a special player, he changes games. He could be an option for the second half tomorrow,” said the manager.
Flick also mentioned that Lamine Yamal could play tomorrow’s game. “Lamine could play tomorrow.”
Player unavailability
Flick is set to be without several first-team members either through injuries or registration issues. This includes Ronald Araujo, Frenkie de Jong, Ansu Fati and Gavi among others.
The manager, however, said that the players would start returning after the first international break.
“After the international break, there will be many more players available. I’m optimistic, but there’s still time.
“We have more players available in the team and I hope they can return, but I don’t have a set date for their return. Their recovery is on track.
“I am satisfied with the squad. When I signed my contract I knew it wouldn’t be easy but I trust the club,” he explained.
Hansi Flick has taken responsibility for the defeat in Joan Gamper Trophy. (Photo by MANAURE QUINTERO/AFP via Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Flick decided not to comment much on his playing XI for the Valencia clash and took full responsibility for the 0-3 defeat against Monaco in the Joan Gamper Trophy.
“I don’t want to say much about the eleven, I never do. There are no excuses about Gamper, we accept it.
“The team was a bit tired because we trained very hard. It was a game that didn’t come at the best time, because if you win you have confidence, but we have recovered our energy.”
There were also questions about the comparisons between Barcelona and Real Madrid, to which he said, “I’ve already answered this question before. We have a lot of quality and football is about whether you win or lose. We prepare for every game.”
Words on Thiago Alcantara
It must be remembered that Thiago Alcantara has left Barcelona with immediate effect and speaking about his former Bayern Munich colleague, he added,
“We have had an excellent relationship since when he played in Munich. We called each other when he finished his career and I told him he would be an excellent coach.
“He has helped the team and is a great person. Now he is leaving and we have Arnau, from La Masia, who is also giving us a lot of support. I don’t know if he will return or not,” he concluded.
