Hansi Flick talks Yamal, Jesus, Kounde, Raphinha ahead of Valencia vs Barcelona

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·5 September 2026

Hansi Flick talks Yamal, Jesus, Kounde, Raphinha ahead of Valencia vs Barcelona

Following their victories against Elche, Athletic Club, and Rayo Vallecano, FC Barcelona are set to return to action tomorrow, on Sunday, after a week’s break, as they will be facing Valencia at Mestalla.

As Mundo Deportivo has reported, Hansi Flick addressed his customary press conference ahead of this game, and talked about different aspects related to his team, the upcoming match, and the La Liga race.

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The German coach started by naming the five captains that have been finalized for this new season:

“First Raphinha, second Pedri, third Eric, fourth Frenkie and fifth Lamine.”

Flick revealed why Lamine Yamal was absent from team training today:

“He took a knock. That’s why we have to wait until tomorrow.”

While talking about the defeat suffered by Real Madrid in their match against Real Betis, the Barcelona coach admitted that the match against Valencia will also be difficult, but he wants to win:

“It’s football; it can always happen. We have to keep our focus on what matters. It will be tough. But we want to win, and we know it won’t be easy.”

The German tactician kept open the possibility of Gabriel Jesus making his debut for the Blaugrana side tomorrow:

“He is probably not at 100%, but he can play some minutes. He has a chance of playing in the second half. I really liked the way he has arrived and what I have seen from him. Even without being at 100%, he is ready to play some minutes. He is one of the options for tomorrow in the second half, depending on how the match goes.”

Flick was satisfied with the quality that his team is showing in matches and in training:

“We have to compete in every match and every training session because the level is always higher. I watch the training sessions and I always think that the quality of the team is very good. I see how we press, how we pass the ball and how we compete. In every rondo, you can see that this is the highest level. And, in the end, the important thing is to win trophies. But the quality is top.”

The Barcelona coach further opened up on his choice for the team’s captains:

“It is normal. Ter Stegen is not here, nor is Ronald Araujo. That is why Eric and Lamine have come into the picture. I decided on two captains. Three were elected: Eric, Frenkie and Lamine. Looking at the team and the players we have, and those who have an influence within the team, I see Raphinha and Pedri.

I didn’t want to choose others; I wanted them because they are regular starters. It was an easy decision because I know the team better now. In previous seasons, we had players such as Marc, Araujo or Frenkie who weren’t playing much. I am happy with the team’s choice and with the five captains.”

For the short term, the German coach set the team the target of winning all their games before the international break:

“We are working to get a perfect points tally before that first international break. I see a great attitude and a great atmosphere, and that is very important: working to get better every day. We will see, but we will try.”

Flick also talked about the situation of the defender Jules Kounde, who has lost his starting spot:

“He is an incredible professional. For him, it is a challenge. In either position, he can be a fantastic option. We have to choose the right moment and position depending on the circumstances. He has not started as a regular starter this season, but for him, it is a challenge.

I know he can play as a centre-back and that he prefers playing as a full-back. He delivered at a top level there in our first season. We always think about what is best for the team. He is working extremely hard to get back to his best.”

“We work together at the club. We make the signings together with Deco. After the departures, we had to sign players. For me, it is not easy to let La Masia players leave and tell them to go elsewhere to improve. I know that their dream is to play for Barça. But here we want to win trophies and raise the level of the team. So far, we are doing well.”

The German tactician highlighted the performances of Raphinha as a center-forward:

“Whether he plays as a winger or moves into the center as a No. 9, he does it very well. He is our best option there at the moment. He brings pressing, speed…”

Hopefully, Hansi Flick will be able to keep getting the best out of Raphinha going forward as well, even though he will have the option of using the new Barcelona signing, Gabriel Jesus, for some minutes in the match against Valencia tomorrow.