Hansi Flick talks Camp Nou, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Joan Garcia and Messi ahead of Barcelona vs Athletic Club | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are set to welcome Athletic Bilbao to the Spotify Camp Nou in La Liga. The game will mark the Catalan club’s return to their permanent home after two and a half seasons away at the stadium on Montjuïc.

Barcelona finished La Liga on a high note just before the international break with an impressive 4–2 win over Celta Vigo, led by a Robert Lewandowski hat-trick. They will hope to build on the momentum and take three points against Ernesto Valverde’s side.

Ahead of the game, Flick spoke on multiple topics in the pre-match press conference, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo. When asked about the return to the Camp Nou, he said:

“We all want to go back home. The opponent is having a very good season, and it’s a great opportunity to measure where we stand. Obviously we prefer playing at Spotify Camp Nou. We saw it during the open training — it was an incredible feeling. It’s a football stadium, and that’s what we love. But we’ll see. I think it can give us great support in the match because the fans are close, and they know the team needs that help. They always support us, and it’s beautiful to see that unity between the team and the fans.”

Flick then spoke about Lamine Yamal’s current physical condition. He said:

“He has worked very hard these two weeks — that’s all I can say. I can’t say he’s finished recovering; he has ups and downs. He’s managing it well and working with the staff.”

The German manager was then asked about Raphinha and Rashford, and he confirmed that the latter was a doubt for the game. He continued:

“Marcus has a fever and was out yesterday and today, and I doubt he’ll be available tomorrow. But the good news is that Raphinha will be back and we’ll see tomorrow what he can give us. Ten, fifteen minutes… we’ll see. But it’s a big step that he is back.”

Flick was then asked about Lamine’s injury and the situation with the RFEF during the international break. He said:

“Lamine is our player and we care about him just as the federation does. It was a good decision that he didn’t play the two matches because it was an important step for him to manage the injury properly.”

The German manager was then asked about the pressure they could put on Real Madrid if they win the early game on Saturday. He said:

“We go match by match: that’s what we want to do. We know the road is long and, like last season, we should never doubt what we want to do and how we want to play. We know Madrid are a great rival, but there are others like Villarreal or Atlético: fantastic teams. That’s what it’s about. We have to focus on ourselves and give our maximum in every match.”

Flick also kept his cards close to his chest on whether Pedri would be involved against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. He said:

“I don’t know, step by step. We’re not putting pressure on him, but he’s working well and his progress is good. We’re happy and we hope he can return soon. I don’t know if it’ll be against Chelsea or not; we’ll see.”

The German manager, however, had no hesitation in revealing that Joan Garcia would be a starter against Athletic Club. He said:

“A starter tomorrow? Yes, you’re correct.”

Flick was then asked whether he would love the opportunity to coach Lionel Messi. He was witty with his answer:

“Why not coach him? Messi is the best player of the last ten years. I’ve always enjoyed watching him play football and he would be perfect for any team. His contract ends in 2028 and mine in 2027, it’s not something to discuss.”

The former Bayern Munich manager was then quizzed about the plan to replace Frenkie de Jong, who is suspended against Athletic Club. He said:

“We know how we want to replace De Jong’s absence, you’ll see it tomorrow. Frenkie, just like Pedri, are two great players who give us a lot of confidence, but we have to manage this absence and I think we’ll do it well.”

Finally, the media tried to get something out of Flick by asking him who would take the honorary kick-off. The German kept a poker face and said:

“The honorary kick-off? I have no idea.”

A return to the Spotify Camp Nou is a gigantic occasion for the club, its players and its fans, and let us hope Barcelona can emerge from the game against Athletic Bilbao with three points to their name. Only time will tell how it plays out.