Flick talks Ferran, Lewandowski, Eric, Ter Stegen, Frenkie, Rashford, Xabi Alonso ahead of Barcelona vs Osasuna | OneFootball

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick addressed the media ahead of his team’s upcoming home fixture against Osasuna, offering clarity on squad competition, player roles and the club’s approach during a decisive part of the season. 

With Barça entering a crucial stretch across multiple competitions, Flick emphasised the value of internal competitiveness and highlighted the positive atmosphere within the squad.

When asked about the growing competition for places, especially in attack, Flick expressed his satisfaction with the depth available to him. 

“When you play in several competitions, it’s important to have several players in the same position. I’m very happy I have that. 

“This improves all the players. We have a lot of competition. 

“The competition between Ferran and Lewy is good for them and for the team. Lewy or Ferran are both in perfect form. We’ll see who starts.”

On Eric Garcia’s role

Attention then turned to the defensive structure and the role of Eric Garcia, who has impressed in a more advanced position recently. 

Flick spoke on Eric Garcia’s role. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Flick acknowledged the player’s adaptability, noting before quoting him. 

“In recent games, he has played well in midfield, but we will decide tomorrow because he can play in both positions.”

Asked to elaborate, he added, “He has a great quality: he can play in many positions. For me, when Frenkie was out, Eric was a great solution. He did very well. 

“I can use him in many positions and that’s very good for me. It gives me a lot of options. It’s great to have him. He can play in all positions at a high level.”

On De Jong, Rashford and Balde

Flick also addressed Frenkie de Jong’s reduced minutes following his injury recovery. Offering reassurance, he said, 

“We’re in this moment right now. We’ve played some great games. Frenkie was out for the last few games, now he has to improve, that’s normal. 

“I’m not worried because he will give us his best on the pitch when he recovers.”

The manager also praised Marcus Rashford’s professionalism amid rotation, saying,

“When he’s on the bench, we do it for the good of the team. He’s a professional. 

“His mentality has been fantastic from the start. He’s showing his best form. He’s very happy to be here.”

Furthermore, Flick also spoke about Alejandro Balde’s continued development, reminding that growth takes time for young talents. 

“He’s still a young player. He has a lot of potential. He has to show his quality every day and in every game. He can improve a lot. His mentality is very good.”

On Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso

Hansi Flick did not want to talk about Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

On Barcelona’s current lead over Real Madrid in the league table, Flick kept the focus internal, stating, 

“There’s still a long way to go. It’s December. There are a lot of games left to play. We have to focus on ourselves. There are a lot of things we can do better. 

“We shouldn’t look at the table and see that we’re in first place. We have to have the right attitude.”

Pressed about Madrid’s crisis, he simply responded: “We’re not looking at Madrid. We have a lot to do this season.”

When the subject of Xabi Alonso’s job security was raised, Flick dismissed the idea of commenting, saying, “This is a cliche. I don’t want to talk about Real Madrid, only about Barça.”

Goalkeeper’s hierarchy

Finally, he was firmer still when clarifying Barcelona’s goalkeeping hierarchy, making it clear that there is no internal debate. 

He explained, “Joan is number one. That’s it. I’m not saying two or three. We have confidence in all three goalkeepers. 

“We have no plans to replace Joan. He’s number one and he’s doing very well.”

Lastly, on Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s situation, Flick kept details private: “I talk to my players, it’s my job. But it’s something between the two of us.”

Source: AS