The games keep on coming at a rapid pace for FC Barcelona as they get set to take on Albacete in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals tomorrow.Albacete eliminated Barça’s arch-rivals, Real Madrid, from ...
The games keep on coming at a rapid pace for FC Barcelona as they get set to take on Albacete in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals tomorrow.
Albacete eliminated Barça’s arch-rivals, Real Madrid, from the competition in the previous round, and as such, will be no pushovers.
And, speaking at the press conference before the trip to Estadio Carlos Belmonte, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick was mindful of the threat that the lower league outfit can pose.
“We always analyse our opponents. What Albacete did against Real Madrid was very good. What matters is how we start, with the right mentality. We’ll have to change a few small things,” he said.
Talking about the team’s recent performances, including last weekend’s win over Elche, he added:
“I was very happy with our football in Elche. But we missed many clear chances. We’re not looking for perfection, but for progress. After the Chelsea match, we’ve advanced step by step, raising our level.
“The key players are playing at a high level. They need us to believe in the team. Tomorrow, we have to have the right mentality and win our duels. That’s what I want to see.”
Flick then spoke about the news that Marc-Andre ter Stegen, having joined Girona on loan last month, had suffered an injury and could thus return to Barcelona.
“I just found out about his injury. I haven’t spoken to him yet. I feel bad for him. We have to wait for the test results,” he said.
When probed further on the matter, the German tactician noted: “I haven’t spoken to him or Deco. I just heard this news, and we have to wait. We’ll see.”
Flick then provided an update on the physical condition of Raphinha, who has been ruled out of tomorrow’s trip to Albacete, saying:
“To be honest, I’m not happy about this. He’s a very important player for us. We’ll see what he’ll have to change and what we’ll have to change. Now the important part of the season is starting, and we need everyone. When he can’t play, it’s not good.”
No Raphinha for Barcelona vs Albacete. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
On being asked to assess Barcelona’s January transfer business, the manager insisted that he was mostly happy, while admitting Pedro ‘Dro’ Fernandez’s exit left a bitter taste.
“We’re happy with the situation. I didn’t like Dro leaving, but there was nothing I could do. I’m happy because if everyone is at their best, it will be difficult to pick the starters. We’ve done our job well,” he said.
Flick also touched upon the ongoing recovery of midfielder Gavi and when he could return, having been out of action since September.
“We’ll see, step by step. The important thing for him is to stay calm and take it one step at a time. He has a very long career ahead of him and wants to play for many years. It’s important he gets in shape, but one step at a time. We’re looking after him,” he said.
The Barcelona head coach also commented on the future of Marcus Rashford, who is being linked with a return to Manchester United at the end of the season.
“I think he has a lot of potential to show. We always focus on goals, the final pass… because there’s always room for improvement. But with his speed and technique, he can give us so much more. I’m delighted, but he has much more potential,” said Flick.
The manager also touched upon the contributions of the substitutes for Barcelona this season, with Rashford himself emerging as a big game-changer off the bench.
“We’re in a fantastic mood. It’s not easy to earn a place in this team. We have eleven who are starting, but five who will finish and will be very important. Everyone has to be ready when it’s their turn to step onto the pitch,” he noted.
Flick also expressed his happiness with the performance of Ferran Torres, while leaving the matter of the forward’s contract renewal in Deco’s hands.
“We have fantastic players and the atmosphere is incredible. They’re colleagues, teammates, and friends. If we can manage it well, it will be great. I’m delighted with all the players, but this is the club’s decision,” he said.
“We have to think about the future. It’s important to keep the players and consider how they can help us going forward. That’s Deco’s job.”
Concluding, the Barcelona head coach also had words of praise for both Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde, as he said:
“He’s having a great time playing football. There are players playing at their best.
“Perhaps I could highlight Balde. What he does is excellent, but he has the potential to improve. That’s what we’re working on. He would also be a good fit for the national team; he’s doing a great job.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo
Category: General Sports
