Flick responds to Madrid criticism before crucial Copa clash | OneFootball

Flick fires back amid injury setback

Flick responds to Madrid criticism before crucial Copa clash

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick confirmed Marcus Rashford & Raphinha will miss the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid.

Injury blow before key semi-final

Head coach Hansi Flick confirmed on Wednesday that Marcus Rashford and Raphinha will not feature in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano Stadium.

Rashford who is on loan from Manchester United, picked up knock to his left knee during the recent league match against Mallorca.

Barcelona later confirmed he is unavailable due to the injury. Raphinha is still recovering from a thigh problem and has missed the past week.

More absences in nidfield and defense

Barcelona will also be without midfielders Pedri and Gavi, as well as defender Andreas Christensen.

Flick said Raphinha must not rush his return especially after suffering similar injuries earlier in the season.

He explained that the Brazilian always gives everything on the pitch and that it is important to protect him from further setbacks.

“Ask Real Madrid”

During the same press conference, Flick reacted to comments from Madrid-based media who described Barcelona’s path to the semi-finals as “easy”.

Critics pointed out that the Catalan side had not faced a top La Liga team in earlier rounds.

Flick responded with short and direct remark:

The comment referred to Real Madrid’s elimination by Albacete earlier in the competition.

Later, Flick clarified that teams from the lower divisions deserve respect and that cup competitions are always unpredictable.

He said he prefers to avoid controversy and focus on his players and supporters.

Support for Ronald Araujo

Flick also addressed recent comments from defender Ronald Araujo who revealed he struggled mentally at the end of 2025.

The Barcelona coach said the entire club supported Araujo and praised his strength for speaking openly.

Flick added that coaches must take better care of players both physically & mentally.