Hansi Flick talks Cubarsi, Gavi, Yamal, Balde, Simeone, Bordalas, Rashford ahead of Barcelona vs Getafe | OneFootball

After a hard-fought win against Newcastle United in their opening UEFA Champions League game on Thursday, FC Barcelona are set to return to domestic action today, on Sunday, as they face Getafe in their next La Liga game.

The Catalans will be keen to get a win in this match, as they have already lost points, in the draw vs Rayo Vallecano, while their main contenders for the league title, Real Madrid, have got a perfect record, with 5 wins in 5 games.

As Mundo Deportivo has reported, Hansi Flick talked to the press ahead of this game, and previewed the match against Getafe, while also talking about some other aspects of the team and the club at large.

The German coach started by commenting on the condition of his team:

“What matters most to me is my team; we know what to expect, and obviously, recovery is very important. Today we trained lighter, but it was good. It’s important to have fresh legs.”

The Blaugrana coach also revealed that Pau Cubarsi will be able to play tomorrow:

“He’ll be an option for tomorrow, we’ll see whether from the bench or as a starter.”

Hansi Flick has several options for the attacking midfield position, and when asked about Fermin Lopez and Dani Olmo, he had the following to say:

“We always have to make decisions. We’ve just started the season, and we need all the players. Some players might not be entirely happy with their situation, but it’s not about individuals; it’s about the team. When they play, they must show how good they are, but for me, what matters is the team and collective success.”

Regarding Gavi, the German coach revealed he might still need some time to get back to full fitness:

“I hope to see him back soon. This isn’t the time to make decisions, but let’s wait 2 or 3 more days and see how things progress and what decision is made.”

When asked about the return to Camp Nou, the Barcelona coach did not have much to say:

“It’s not in my hands. It’s not my decision; I have to focus on my team. Step by step, we’ll see what happens.”

Hansi Flick also provided a fitness update on Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde:

“Of course, we’re working on it. As I said before, we have to go day by day with Lamine. With Balde, his case is better, and we hope to see him back soon. Lamine needs more time.”

The German coach once again asked his players to give their all on the pitch:

One of the more notable events from matchday 1 of the UCL was Diego Simeone clashing with Liverpool fans. The Barcelona coach was also asked about his counterpart’s actions, but he avoided giving a value-based opinion:

“I don’t know what Cholo felt. I’ve sometimes been in similar situations, but I focus on what happens on the pitch. It’s not nice to hear insults, but everyone is different, and I wouldn’t like to comment on Cholo’s reaction, because I don’t know what he felt.”

Flick also declined to comment on Bordalas, the Getafe coach’s, comments:

“No, because everyone has their opinion. He’s free to say whatever he wants, and I’m not worried about what he says.”

Marcus Rashford had a very good outing midweek in the UCL, and the German tactician spoke highly of the Englishman:

“For me, I’ve said it on different occasions. He’s gained confidence with these two goals, and our way of playing is with high intensity, which is what I expect from him as well. When you arrive at a new club, you have to adapt to a new philosophy, but I think he has arrived at a good moment. I firmly believe in his quality, but you always have to work hard and keep learning. I will continue to push him and support him.”

Lastly, the Barcelona manager also confirmed that the team would be traveling to Paris for the Ballon d’Or ceremony, irrespective of who wins the biggest prize:

Hopefully, this will be Lamine Yamal’s time after his incredible last season. However, Ousmane Dembele will be competing with him for the Ballon d’Or, while Hansi Flick himself can also see his achievements from the last season recognized in this ceremony.