Girona coach talks Lamine Yamal, Hansi Flick and more ahead of Barcelona clash | OneFootball

Girona have a daunting task on their hands on Monday as they play hosts to local rivals Barcelona – a game where their opponents will be desperate to secure all three points.

The outcome of this game will be critical in the context of the title race, with Barça looking to reclaim their position at the top after Real Madrid’s victory against Real Sociedad.

Speaking to the press ahead of the game, Michel offered his thoughts on the game, as well as Hansi Flick and Lamine Yamal, among other things.

What Michel said ahead of Barcelona game

First and foremost, Michel answered questions on whether or not he is worried that Barcelona at full force after the defeat to Atletico Madrid.

“The big teams always play every game with the intention and certainty that they must win because otherwise it will be a tough week for them,” he said.

“They have this demand and they have always played with this pressure. Not because of the other day they lost, but because Madrid won and they need to win to remain leaders. The big ones are used to playing in these conditions,” he added.

He went on to talk about Lamine Yamal and the arrangements Girona have made in order to stop the Spanish international from making an impact.

Michel, though, also reminded everyone that Barcelona is not all about Yamal and that there are other players capable of making an impact.

“Barça is not just Lamine.”I know what I will do, we have prepared it. All the players are very important and have resources in all lines.

“We will play to counter Barça’s game, knowing that it is difficult. They are the team that has the most depth in Europe and is the leader in many LaLiga data,” he said.

Interestingly, when asked which Barcelona player he would like to have in his team, he didn’t hesitate to name Yamal.

Girona coach Michel doesn’t mind having Yamal in his team. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“I like to see the best on the field. If Lamine plays with our shirt, all the better. But on the pitch everyone. Football is a spectacle, a game and the players have to be on the field,” he added.

The Girona coach also talked about Hansi Flick and his style of play, admitting the German tactician for his consistency.

“What I like about the way Flick’s Barça play is that they always play the same. He has very good things because he leads a lot of data in LaLiga. It’s very difficult to counter their pressure and their way of attacking.

“Their top line seems to take a lot of risk, but it gives them a lot. They know how to play with the feeling of danger against them,” he said.

The coach also respected the gravity of this game, admitting that it promises to be a special encounter at the Montilivi.

“It’s a special game, it’s not just another one. Playing against Barça, Madrid, Atlético… They are teams that if you win, you take a step more than against any other rival.

“The normal thing is that they win because they win 90% of the games. When they play against each other, they can win one or the other. The standings say that Barça and Madrid almost always win,” he added.

The Spaniard offered an update on his team as well, confirming the absence of Azzedine Ounahi.

“The same long-term absences continue: Van de Beek, Juan Carlos and Portu. Ounahi will be out tomorrow. He has done a part with us, but the feeling is that he has the most important part left, with more demanding training.

“That is why he will not be there yet. Rubén Blanco will be available, he will give us things and he will be ready for tomorrow,” he revealed.

Finally, Michel offered his full support to the referees, especially amid Barcelona filing a formal complaint surrounding the quality of officiating in La Liga.

“It will be like every game in which we, Barça and the referee will do things well. I am not afraid in this regard. I have always thought that referees do their job in the best way,” he concluded.

Source: Diario SPORT