.png)
6 hours ago
2 ARTICLE AD
Barcelona return to action two weeks after their gutting defeat to Real Sociedad this weekend and take on Celta Vigo in a tricky match-up.
The Catalans have indeed been in fine form this season and are on top of the league standings. Yet, the Balaidos have been tricky territory for the team with them winning just one of their last three games at the venue.
The Galicians, moreover, enter the game on a streak of three matches unbeaten and are currently 11th on the league standings.
Speaking to the media ahead of Barcelona’s game against Celta Vigo earlier today, Hansi Flick shared his thoughts on plenty of topics from the injury situation to the team’s chances at the weekend.
He began by giving his prediction for the game against Celta and what he expected from his team.
“The game vs. Celta? Great game. After the international break, we have to come back well, and perform well.”
Lamine Yamal will be unavailable
Lamine Yamal will be unavailable tomorrow. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)
Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal missed the game against Real Sociedad through injury and did not travel to link up with La Roja in the international break. Flick confirmed in his presser that he would once again be without the youngster tomorrow.
“He’s an important player for us but we have to adapt, there are other players. Lamine can’t play tomorrow, we’ll see when he can return.”
He even refused to accept that the team’s poor showing against Real Sociedad had anything to do with Yamal’s absence.
“Against Real Sociedad, we didn’t play well, it had nothing to do with Lamine’s absence.”
Speaking on his plan without the Kopa Trophy winner, Flick admitted that he did not have many options as natural replacements on the wing.
“We are limited in terms of the squad regarding Lamine, but we have players with the quality to play in different positions.”
“We will see what can happen in the game, and that also has a bearing on tomorrow. We will see what happens tomorrow,” he added.
Finally, he was asked who would replace Yamal in the lineup, to which he said,
“Who will be replacing Lamine in the XI? It could be Raphinha, Pau, Dani, Fermin… We have many options.”
On individual players
Flick says Gavi could start tomorrow. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Both Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen were expected to join the team soon after completing their recoveries and the manager provided updates on both players.
“Araujo could return to group training on Sunday,” he said, in what was a big boost.
With Christensen, however, the optimism was not as much especially after the player had to undergo surgery.
“Christensen’s injury report? I can’t confirm anything. Of course, our goal is to have him back early and that’s what the medical staff is trying to do.”
During his presser, the German tactician also provided a positive update on Gavi, saying,
“Gavi starting tomorrow? Yes, he could start.”
The manager was then asked about Robert Lewandowski’s disallowed goal against La Real and whether he was convinced that it was a wrong decision on the part of the referee.
“It’s not a big deal, but it’s good to get some explanations from the league. At the end of the day, we’re all human beings, it’s not important, we’re looking forward to tomorrow’s game now,” he said.
Finally, he spoke on Marc Casado’s international debut and the youngster’s quality this season.
“I was happy to see him play for the national team. He is doing well and has played a lot of games. He plays the same way he does for the club. He is doing well, but he has to continue like this.”
On Messi and his future
Flick is honoured by Messi’s praise (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Towards the end of his press conference, Flick was asked if he was aware of the praise Lionel Messi had for him in a recent interview and he called the Argentine’s praise an ‘honour’.
“Messi praising me and the team? It’s an honour that the best player in Barcelona’s history says this about me, and the team follows how they play, and the youngsters too. It means a lot to us.”
Finally, he was asked if he would like to stay at Barcelona for the next ten years, just as Pep Guardiola has done at Manchester City, to which he said,
“I will be close to 70, I don’t think that would be suitable for me. I have my family to spend time with. I don’t want to be a coach until I am 70.”
Source: Barça One
