Flick talks De Jong, Gavi, Bernal, Thiago, Estadi Johan Cruyff ahead of Barcelona vs Valencia | OneFootball

FC Barcelona will be aiming to bounce back to winning ways in La Liga when they take on Valencia at Estadi Johan Cruyff.

The Blaugrana were held to a 1-1 draw by Rayo Vallecano before the international break and will be aiming to get things back on track tomorrow.

Ahead of the crucial game, Hansi Flick addressed the media in his pre-match press conference, confirming that Lamine Yamal will be unavailable due to injury.

The German tactician also spoke about the injuries to other players like Gavi and Frenkie de Jong, while welcoming Marc Bernal back to the fold.

“Frenkie is unavailable for tomorrow, Marc won’t be in the starting line-up, but he will be on the bench, and the next step in his recovery process is to be available. I’m looking forward to seeing him on the pitch and playing more,” said Flick.

Regarding Gavi’s condition, he stated: “I’ve said it several times before, but Gavi is the heart of this team. His mentality on the pitch, he gives his all and gives everything for the club.

“I was afraid that would happen in training after that serious injury he had. But I would say that all he has to do is work hard and not put too much pressure on himself. He has to come back and get fit. We need him to be confident about his knee and his body.”

The manager then discussed the Valencia game, praising his opposite number, Carlos Corberan, saying: “The coach is doing a fantastic job, adapting to the opposition.”

The game will be played at Estadi Johan Cruyff instead of the Spotify Camp Nou, but the Barcelona manager insisted that it does not affect the team.

“No, this is not something that affects us when we know the situation. I spoke with the chairman and he explained the situation to me. I am confident and this will not affect the team,” he affirmed.

Flick does not see any problems with playing at Estadi Johan Cruyff. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Instead, Flick insisted that the team must be focused on winning the match, saying: “No excuses, we have to win tomorrow, the team is focused and if we have to win, we have to win. Good mentality, good attitude on the pitch and to see what I want to see.

“For me, the most important thing is the team, always the team, not one player, the team and thinking about what the team needs from each player. We have incredible fans, I love working at this club, for this club, living in this city, nothing has changed.”

When probed about the stadium once again, Flick reiterated: “I’ve spoken to them and they’ve told me it won’t affect them.

“This isn’t an excuse, I can’t make excuses for things like this. Valencia are also going to play at this stadium, and we beat Como at this stadium.”

Regarding the return of Thiago Alcantara to Barcelona as part of his coaching staff, Flick expressed his joy, saying:

“I’m very happy that he’s back, everyone is happy, I’m happy. It wasn’t easy to convince him. He brings his experience as a player, he’ll be another member of the coaching staff with a wealth of experience, I can see how the young players listen to him attentively.”

Finally, Flick was asked about his ‘Ego kills success’ statement after the Rayo Vallecano game and what it meant. In response, the Barcelona head coach said:

“For me, there are things that happen on the pitch and in the dressing room that I have to resolve. At the end of the day, what’s important to me is that when we play, I want everyone to focus on the good of the team.

“Everyone knows what to do, and if they make a mistake, they are capable of resolving it. That’s the difference between good and excellent players. That’s what I want to see in my team, that everyone knows what to do.”

Concluding, he said: “If you think that today I only gave 50 per cent, that’s not enough, it’s not sufficient. The fans deserve 100 per cent from every player. Last season, they helped us win the titles, and we have to get back on that path.”

Source: AS