Hansi Flick talks Yamal, Gavi, Balde, Raphinha, Bernal, Bordalas ahead of Getafe vs Barcelona | OneFootball

After their win over Celta Vigo, FC Barcelona are set to return to La Liga action this weekend as they face Getafe in their next league game. The Blaugranes will be looking to continue their winning momentum in this competition to continue enjoying a significant advantage over the second-placed Real Madrid.

Hansi Flick undertook his customary press conference ahead of this game today, and, understandably, one of the most discussed topics was the injury suffered by Lamine Yamal in the last game, which means the season is already over for the young winger.

As Mundo Deportivo has reported, the German coach started by apologizing for arriving late for this presser, and gave his reasons for this delay:

“Sorry for arriving 10 minutes late. The reason is that I wanted to speak with the players at such an important moment. It’s tough to play against Getafe because they defend very well. They have their philosophy. The important thing is to find the rhythm we want to play at and not make mistakes.”

Talking about Lamine Yamal, the Barcelona trainer believed this injury could be a good lesson for the youngster:

Meanwhile, he also rued the recurring issue of injuries:

“We have to analyze everything, and we will… the technical staff and whatever can be improved. Having injuries is the worst, but we have to manage them. There are six matches left, and we want to win them. Each match will be different. Right now, we want three more points.”

Hansi Flick also reacted to Bordalas’ comments about their clash after the last match in which these two teams faced off:

“In the end, he’s right: you have to focus on your own team. Sometimes, after a match, there are a lot of emotions, and the coach fights to win just like the players do. It’s fine, no problem.”

Even without Yamal, the German coach was confident his team has enough talent to get the desired results:

“We need it, yes. We are a team, and if one piece is missing, we have to be more united and give 100% or more for our teammates. There are six matches left, and the goal is always to win them. We have the quality to play a great match in Getafe.”

The Barcelona coach also confirmed that Marc Bernal and Raphinha have not yet returned to training:

“Neither of them trained, and neither will be available tomorrow. Next week, they will probably be better. We’ll see.”

Flick particularly praised Gavi for his personality and performances:

“Leadership is not about age but about personality. Gavi has returned from injury more mature and focused—I’m impressed with his performance, which is immense. He gives everything and always goes 100% for the team.”

The German coach was confident his team would not miss Yamal too much:

“He felt something after the penalty foul, but nothing serious, and that’s why we decided he should take it. It was his first muscle injury, so it’s not easy to interpret the signals the body gives. He will learn because he is very young. He already missed matches this season, and it didn’t go so badly for us.”

The Barcelona trainer avoided making any aggressive comments about refereeing:

“No, I don’t have experience with that. The referees have to decide. For me, it’s not easy. We have to play much better so we don’t depend on refereeing decisions—that is our focus.”

Hansi Flick made it clear that he is counting on Alejandro Balde:

“He is coming back from an injury, and Cancelo is playing very well. That’s football. In these six matches, we will need everyone to win the league.”

While speaking highly of Roony Bardghji, the German tactician did not comment on whether he would start tomorrow:

“He is ready, of course. He already was even with Lamine. I said it before. He is doing well, and now he will have more chances to play, although we haven’t yet decided if he will start in Getafe.”

The Blaugrana coach ended the presser with another question about Yamal:

“At 18, he is doing very well with the pressure he has. I think this is already the fourth question about him, and that shows his importance. He is more mature and intelligent, and proves it every week. It’s normal that he is affected now. I hope he has a good World Cup at his best level, and for that, the important thing is that he recovers well.”

There is no doubt that Lamine Yamal would be a big absence for the Barcelona team going into this match against Getafe, but hopefully, it will not cost the team too much.