Flick talks Yamal, Raphinha, Rashford, Bardghji, Cubarsi, Howe ahead of Newcastle vs Barcelona | OneFootball

Hansi Flick was visibly pleased after Barcelona’s win over Valencia at the weekend, a nd rightfully so given that his side dominated the game from start to finish and won by a six-goal margin.

Up next, his side takes to the field in their first UEFA Champions League clash of the season as they lock horns with Newcastle United on Thursday night.

The manager was initially suspended for the game and was expected to be absent on the sidelines after a sanction he picked up in last season’s semifinal. That, however, has now been lifted and Flick will be on the sidelines when Barcelona play tomorrow.

Flick speaks on the Newcastle game

Speaking to the media in his pre-match press conference, the Barcelona manager expressed his excitement over facing the Premier League side tomorrow and how the stadium was an experience to behold.

“I’ve never been here, but this stadium is one of the best atmospheres. I expect a great team, with intensity and attentive to the second plays.”

“Eddie Howe is a great coach and they have done a great job,” he added on the opponent coach.

Speaking on the rivals’ direct style of football and how he planned to counter the same, the manager said,

“We have to adapt a little to the rival’s style. In every game, it’s like that. We have to look at what to do depending on the opponent.”

“We have had a lot of time to prepare it. If we have spaces, we have to take advantage of them,” he added.

The manager then went on to speak on what was crucial to win the UEFA Champions League and to win games in the tournament in particular.

“In my experience, it is always giving the maximum in every game. We saw it last year. We learned and we have to be better every day. From last year’s Champions League and every match. I think everyone shows how good they are.”

“We have a young team, with three casualties. We’ll see tomorrow. I want to see what we did against Valencia tomorrow. We have to show what we are capable of,” he added.

He then went on to speak on how this side would cope with the pressure from the stadium which is expected to be at an all-time high tomorrow.

“There are many young people, but also veterans, especially Spaniards. They know how to handle the pressure. It’s our strength. We are confident with the ball and we have to be focused from the beginning.”

“Last season we were many points below and we turned around. We had confidence, but it’s important to start well from the beginning,” he added.

On the win vs Valencia

Barcelona beat Valencia 6-0 this past weekend. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Barcelona’s win over Valencia was the team’s first promising performance of the season, and the manager made it clear that he took many positives from the result.

“What we saw against Valencia was very positive. We are playing well in all facets. With this confidence, it is important to play tomorrow. You have to have the ball and take advantage of the spaces.”

“It won’t be an easy match. They are very strong and there are very strong teams in this Champions League, but we have confidence,” he added.

Finally, he spoke on the importance of the win over Valencia from the point of view of the season.

“Football is constantly changing. Our preseason was decent. We won all the games, but then we didn’t see that quality in the League.”

“Sunday was like last season. For me, it’s good to see it. Every game is the same and you have to do it from the beginning. Against Valencia we did it,” he added.

On specific players

The coach then opened up on Raphinha’s importance in his team, especially after he was benched against Valencia only to come on and score a brace.

“Raphinha is one of our key players. He provides dynamism. The pressure begins and it’s a very good thing to see. Against Valencia, he entered the second half and was fantastic.”

He was then asked about Lamine Yamal who will not be in the squad for the UCL clash, to which he said,

“I want to talk about the players who can play. He can’t play tomorrow and we’ll see on Sunday. We have a good staff and there are people for the position.”

“Rashford is on the team. If someone can’t play, he can come in. I hope he can show in England what he did on Sunday,” he added.

When asked if he saw any deadline for Yamal’s possible return, Flick bluntly said,

“I don’t think we have to put pressure on deadlines. We have a fantastic medical staff. Let’s see how he evolves. If he comes back it’s to be one hundred percent. He’s a young player and we have to take care of him.”

Lamine is unavailable through injury. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Staying on the topic of forwards, the manager gave his two cents on Roony Bardghji and what he made of the youngster’s talent.

“I didn’t know Roony [Bardghji] very well. I saw some games. I was surprised by his level increase. I’m happy with him and we’ll see how he improves.”

“He has a lot of improvement. I’m very happy with him,” he added.

Concurrently, he also held Marcus Rashford as a top player to start on the night, especially with Lamine Yamal unavailable.

“You have to look back a little. I have followed Marcus from Manchester United. He has speed, one-on-one, and definition.”

“What I have seen in the first weeks has been very good and has more potential to demonstrate. It’s very good to have him on the team. He is an incredible player, fantastic. What I’m seeing is very good,” he added.

On his dilemmas

The manager was then put in a tricky spot by being asked about his dilemmas, beginning with whether he preferred Ferran Torres or Robert Lewandowski for tomorrow’s game.

“I have to watch the training session and, after that, I need eight hours of rest to decide.”

“We’ll see which pair I put. Cubarsi is also fine. I have no doubts. We’ll see what I do tomorrow,” he added when asked if Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen will start.

Flick was then asked if he saw his team as favourites in the competition, to which he said,

“I don’t think about who is the favourite. There are very good teams. We’re going to work hard to improve every day.”

Finally, the manager was asked to comment on former Barcelona manager and Newcastle United legend Sir Bobby Robson.

“He was a fantastic coach. Barça has had fantastic coaches. I watch a lot of English team games and training. I was with Wenger and I saw what I needed for my philosophy.”

“I wanted to take things from the best coaches and being in Barça is doing it every day,” he added.

Source: AS