Hansi Flick talks Dro, Ter Stegen, Bernal, Rashford, La Masia youngsters ahead of Real Sociedad vs Barcelona | OneFootball

Following their Spanish Super Cup triumph and the win against Racing Santander in the Copa del Rey, FC Barcelona are set to return to La Liga action tonight, on Sunday, as they face a difficult opponent, Real Sociedad, at the Anoeta.

Hansi Flick will be looking to continue building up on the successes that his team has enjoyed so far in January and getting another win in this difficult game. As Mundo Deportivo has reported, he addressed the press yesterday and spoke about different aspects of his team and the upcoming clash.

The German coach started by talking about his upcoming opponents:

“They (Real Sociedad) have more confidence after two wins and a draw. I know their coach (Pellegrino Matarazzo), and he has given them confidence. We return to La Liga and want to win.”

The Barcelona coach refrained from talking about Dro, who is reportedly close to leaving the club:

“I will speak when it’s done, not before.”

Similarly, Flick also did not give a lot of information when asked about Marc-Andre ter Stegen:

“I have no further information. For me, he’s in the team tomorrow.”

The German tactician confirmed that Raphinha is suffering from a knock:

“Yes, he has some issues after a knock, and we’ll decide whether he plays or rests tomorrow.”

When asked about Dro again, the Barcelona coach gave a more forceful reply:

“I don’t want to answer because, as a coach, I put a lot of energy into improving players, but there are many people around them. If (Dro) ends up moving to another club, ask me, and I’ll speak then, but not now.”

While praising Rashford, Hansi Flick did not give any indications about his future at Barcelona either:

“His performances so far are good, but this is something we need to handle with Deco and the club. We still have plenty of time, months ahead. Marcus is a ‘top’ player, and we appreciate his situation. We are Barça, one of the best in the world. It’s like what I say with La Masia players: we give them the opportunity to play and trust them. If you want to play at Barça, we will be with you 100%. That’s what I want to see from other players.”

Similarly, the German coach spoke at greater length when asked about Ter Stegen again:

“It’s his decision and what he wants for the future. Of course, we’ve talked in recent days and weeks, but this is Deco’s job, and we have to prepare for tomorrow’s match. Meanwhile, Marc is a Barça player, captain, and has been very important in the last 10 years, but we will respect his decision and what he wants.”

Marc Bernal is another player linked with a move away from Barcelona, and the Blaugrana trainer made it clear that he wants him to stay:

“I hope he stays. My opinion is clear, but in football, you never know what can happen. He’s come back from an injury, is improving, gaining form, has a lot of potential, and we want to help him reach it.”

The German manager also commented on the competition for the center-forward position between Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski:

“When each one scores, it’s a good situation. I’m happy. In every position, we have players who can come in or finish the match. That’s what I want in my team. It’s very important for the team, and this helps win matches. The most important thing for me is the team, not individual players or coaches.”

When asked to give a message to the youth at La Masia, Hansi Flick said the following words:

“My message is about daily training. When players with potential arrive, we have a plan to observe their training, performance, and attitude, whether they are professional… We are in a great team, and it isn’t easy to get minutes. Of course, every training session improves these players. This is the normal path, and when they deserve to play, they do.”

The Barcelona coach was also asked about the possibility of Casado and Bernal staying if Dro left, to which he replied:

“I don’t know. My idea is for everyone to stay. Dro’s situation isn’t finalized yet, but this is football. There are players who are 17 or 18, but people around them make decisions. I don’t want to say more.”

Despite their recent successes, the German coach wanted his team to keep working for every win:

“That’s what I told the players before the match against Racing. Success isn’t guaranteed. It’s earned every day – against Racing, against Real, in every training session. Attitude and mentality are what lead us to win, and that’s what we must maintain and give our best to our fans, which is what they want. The match against Racing wasn’t easy. We arrived two hours early, then there was a 15-minute delay, and we adapted to the circumstances. That’s what we must do to satisfy our fans.”

Although he did not reveal a lot, Hansi Flick still made his feelings clear about some of his players who are linked with moves away from Barcelona. Hopefully, any potential move will not end up hurting the team, while also ensuring the continued development of young players.