Flick explains decision to start returning Barcelona superstar vs Girona – ‘I’ve spoken to him…’ | OneFootball

As FC Barcelona get set to take on Girona in the Catalan derby in a little while at Estadi Montilivi, manager Hansi Flick has announced the starting lineup for the game.

The big news is that key winger Raphinha is back in the XI after having recovered from a hamstring issue.

Given that the Brazilian international had missed the last three matches due to the injury and the fact that he has had fitness problems in the past as well this term, it was expected that Flick might ease him back into action.

But the German tactician has decided to integrate the winger right back into the starting lineup, putting him on the left flank.

Speaking to Movistar+ (h/t Mundo Deportivo) ahead of kickoff, Flick explained his decision to start Raphinha in the lineup, claiming that the 29-year-old superstar was fully fit and ready to play from kickoff.

Back in the team. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

“It was a decision made to prepare for today’s game. I’ve spoken with him, and he’s fit,” he stated briefly, without elaborating.

When asked whether the 4-0 defeat in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Atletico Madrid last Thursday had influenced his approach to Girona v Barça, Flick opted to keep his response short, as he said:

“One result doesn’t change anything about our philosophy or our confidence in what we do.”

With it, the Barcelona manager made it clear that he will continue to back his tactical approach despite what had happened in the Copa del Rey clash last week, where the high-line was obliterated by Atletico Madrid in the first half.