Hansi Flick talks Ter Stegen, Raphinha, Rashford, Balde, Gavi, Ferran ahead of Albacete vs Barcelona | OneFootball

Hansi Flick talks Ter Stegen, Raphinha, Rashford, Balde, Gavi, Ferran ahead of Albacete vs Barcelona | OneFootball

In partnership with

Yahoo sports
Icon: Sempre Barca

Sempre Barca

·3 February 2026

Hansi Flick talks Ter Stegen, Raphinha, Rashford, Balde, Gavi, Ferran ahead of Albacete vs Barcelona

Article image:Hansi Flick talks Ter Stegen, Raphinha, Rashford, Balde, Gavi, Ferran ahead of Albacete vs Barcelona

After picking up the full three points from their game against Elche in La Liga, FC Barcelona are set to return to action in the Copa del Rey in their next outing, as they will be facing Albacete in the quarter-finals of the competition.

The Catalans would be keen to win this game to retain their cup title this season, and while Hansi Flick is expected to field some fringe players for this game, the German coach would still put in a strong lineup to get the job done.


OneFootball Videos


The Barcelona coach addressed his customary press conference ahead of this game yesterday, and as Mundo Deportivo has reported, he talked about different aspects of the game and the club in general.

The German coach started by talking about the unpredictability of Copa games:

“As I said last time, Copa del Rey matches are like this. That’s why we like them, because sometimes the results are unpredictable. They have nothing to lose, only to gain.”

Flick also talked about the unfortunate injury suffered by Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who is currently on loan with Girona:

“I just found out about his injury. I haven’t spoken with him yet. I feel bad for him. We have to wait for the test results.”

The Blaugrana coach was also not too happy with Raphinha’s absence for this game:

“To be honest, I’m not happy with this. He’s a very important player for us. We’ll see what needs to change and what we need to adjust. The important phase of the season is starting, and we need everyone. It’s not good when a player can’t play.”

Further talking about Ter Stegen, the German trainer said:

“I haven’t spoken with him or Deco. I just learned about this news, and we have to wait. We’ll see.”

Hansi Flick also outlined what he wanted to see from his team in the upcoming match:

“We always analyze the opponent. What Albacete did against Real Madrid was very good. What matters is how we start, with the right mentality. We’ll need to tweak a few small things. I was very happy with our football in Elche, though we missed many clear chances. We don’t aim for perfection, but for progress. After the Chelsea match, we’ve improved step by step. The key players are at a great level. They need to feel belief in the team. Tomorrow, we must have the right mentality and win the duels. That’s what I want to see.”

The German coach also commented on the club’s activity in the winter market:

“We are happy with the situation. I didn’t like Dro leaving, but there was nothing I could do. I’m happy because if everyone is at their maximum level, it will be hard to choose the starters. We’ve done our job well.”

The Barcelona trainer also commented on Gavi’s situation:

“We’ll see, step by step. The most important thing for him is to stay calm and take it gradually. He has a very long career and wants to play for many years. It’s important that he gets in shape, but step by step. We take care of him.”

Despite Marcus Rashford’s good performances, Flick wanted the Englishman to improve even further:

“I think he has a lot of potential to show. We always focus on goals, the final pass… because there’s room to improve. But with his speed and technique, he can give us much more. I’m delighted, but he has even more potential. I want everyone at their best. It’s about mentality and attitude in training… that’s what we want to see. Always strive to be better.”

The German manager confirmed he would manage the minutes of his starters:

“We will manage it, but I won’t say who will start.”

The Barcelona coach commented on the importance of substitutes:

“We are in a fantastic mood. It’s not easy to earn a spot in this team. We have a starting eleven, but five others who will also be very important. Everyone must be ready when it’s their turn to enter the pitch.”

Hansi Flick was happy with the atmosphere in the dressing room and addressed Ferran’s renewal:

“We have fantastic players, and the atmosphere is incredible. They are colleagues, teammates, and friends. If we can manage it, it will be very good. I’m delighted with all the players, but this is the club’s decision. We must think about the future. It’s important to retain players and consider how they can help us moving forward. That’s Deco’s job.”

Lastly, the German tactician also talked about Yamal and praised Alejandro Balde:

“He enjoys playing football. There are players performing at their best. Perhaps I could highlight Balde. What he does is excellent, but he has room to improve. That’s what we are working on. He could also be a national team player; he’s doing a great job.”

Although it will not be an easy game, Barcelona are still the favorites in this upcoming Copa del Rey game. Hopefully, Hansi Flick will get the work done by his team and take his team to the next round of the competition.

View publisher imprint