Every word Hansi Flick said in his Slavia Prague vs Barcelona press conference including Pedri and Raphinha updates | OneFootball

FC Barcelona will go into the game against Slavia Prague knowing well and truly that anything other than three points would be unacceptable. Hansi Flick will hope all their bad luck has dissipated at the Reale Arena last weekend.

Ahead of the game, manager Hansi Flick held the pre-match press conference yesterday and was asked about multiple topics by the journalists. He spoke after Balde and, as quoted by SPORT, here are the German coach’s words from his interaction with the media.

On the chances of finishing in the top eight:

“This is the Champions League, and there is always pressure. Slavia press very well, that’s what we expect. Their last match was in December, and they’ve had a lot of time to prepare. We want to win both matches.”

On improving the team’s level:

“We have a lot of potential, and we have to keep working. In every match, we try to work on things — everyone has great potential to reach their best possible level.”

On the very low temperature in Prague:

“The good thing is they’ll have to run, and that will warm them up. It’s good to train here to adapt, which is why we changed the travel plan.”

Hansi Flick on club captain Ter Stegen leaving:

“Did Balde confirm it? Then it’s confirmed. This morning, Marc told us he was going to Girona. He’s a fantastic goalkeeper. We’ve decided on a different future. I think it’s the right decision and I wish him all the best. He’s a brilliant person and has good chances of reaching the World Cup.”

On Roony Bardghji, who is a candidate to replace Lamine on the right flank:

“The matches he has played, he has done very well. It’s not easy for him to play in this position because Lamine is there. In training, he has shown a very good level.”

On Raphinha, who missed the Real Sociedad game:

“He will be fine. He trained yesterday, and today he will have another opportunity.”

On the team’s motivation:

“It’s a dream for everyone. We play for Barça, and the objective is always to win big titles. We want to win the Champions League — everyone is hungry to win it.”

On bouncing back from the defeat at the Reale Arena:

“I am disappointed with Sunday’s result, but this is football. It’s better to lose like that than with a poor performance. It gives us more confidence to believe in what we do, but we have to be more clinical in front of the goal.”

On Pedri’s condition after Carlos Soler’s dangerous tackle:

“I asked him immediately after the match, and he told me he was fine. Yesterday as well. He is a fantastic player. Frenkie is also at a very high level.”

On Slavia Prague and how they like to play:

“They are a team that always wants to attack at a high level, with quick transitions and man-to-man play. We are in a good moment. For me, tomorrow’s match is important — when we lose the ball, we must make the difference in transitions.”

Hansi Flick was his usual self in the press conference, answering every question with clarity. He will be boosted by the return of Raphinha and the availability of Pedri, which could be crucial to getting a result against Slavia Prague.

Yes, the absence of Lamine is a tough one, but unlike last season, the team has Roony Bardghji, who has shown more than enough of his quality. It remains to be seen whether Barcelona can take the three points on the night and keep their top-eight hopes alive.