Celta Vigo coach talks Yamal, Hansi Flick, Raphinha and more ahead of Celta Vigo vs Barcelona | OneFootball

FC Barcelona travels to Galicia for their final match before the November international break, facing a difficult test at Balaídos against a Celta Vigo side in excellent form.

While Barça looks to bounce back from recent inconsistent results, Celta is riding a wave of confidence.

Ahead of the highly anticipated match, Celta coach Claudio Giraldez spoke to the press, offering a detailed breakdown of his plan to stop Hansi Flick’s team and his immense respect for their attacking threats.

What Giraldez said ahead of Barcelona tie

Giraldez began by addressing the primary danger for the Celta Vigo defence: Lamine Yamal, who will be back in the Spanish national team fold after an injury, much to the worry of Joan Laporta.

“Lamine Yamal is one of the best players in the world right now; we need to limit his threat defensively and as a unit, but Barcelona doesn’t rely on him alone – they’ve got Ferran, Lewandowski, Fermín, and Olmo, and their attack is phenomenal,” he said.

He also acknowledged Barcelona’s significant injuries, admitting that the absences of Pedri and Raphinha will be impactful. But he also noted that their squad depth makes them formidable regardless.

“The absence of Pedri and Raphinha has a huge impact on Barcelona’s rhythm, but they have world-class replacements, and the team remains strong no matter who changes,” he said.

Citing Celta’s own positive results, Giraldez stated that his team is confident and ready for the challenge.

“The timing is perfect for facing Barcelona after our recent positive results; we’re in excellent shape and we want to win at Balaidos“, he said.

Giraldez is upbeat after Celta’s recent form. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

“The team is in excellent mental and physical condition after a strong run of matches, and we’ll play with confidence and great enthusiasm against Barcelona,” he added.

The Celta coach then offered a detailed tactical analysis of Hansi Flick’s system, identifying both its strengths and its potential weaknesses.

“Flick’s style is clear: they defend with a high line and take risks, and when the coordination isn’t perfect, spaces open up – but Barcelona remains a complete team with a clear idea,” he said.

He explained that his game plan is designed to exploit that high line.

“We’ll attack with movements from the second and third lines and with crosses, because Barcelona’s defence is very advanced and presses forward constantly.

“Against Barcelona, we need players with high energy, the ability to run, defend, and keep possession; balance is the key,” Giraldez said.

When told that Hansi Flick had commented that Celta was in “better shape” than Barça, Giraldez remained pragmatic about what it takes to win.

“Flick said we’re in better shape than Barcelona? He might mean the results, but for Celta to win, it has to be at its best and on a day when Barcelona is below its usual level.”

“Barcelona is a very tough team that forces you to think quickly; we need to be flawless to minimise mistakes if we want to win,” he added.

Giraldez is also counting on his veteran forwards, who have a history of tormenting the Blaugrana.

“Borja, Aspas, and Bryan score a lot against Barcelona; I hope they do it again tomorrow because that will bring us closer to victory,” he noted.

Giraldez speaks highly of Hansi Flick. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

However, he confirmed his team is also dealing with several injuries, particularly in attack.

“Carlos has a mild ankle sprain and won’t play; Rado is ready, William has swelling behind his Achilles tendon, and Hugo, Williot, and Royda continue their recovery—we hope for their return after the international break.”

“William’s injury isn’t serious, but he’s still feeling pain; recovery has taken longer than expected,” he pointed out.

“We’ll decide tomorrow on the status of Bryan, Iago, and Pablo; the late kickoff helps their recovery. We have an attacking shortage, but everyone will play, whether starters or substitutes,” he added.

Finally, the coach emphasised his team-first philosophy and how that will not change, even against the formidable Barcelona team.

“The team always plays with the same idea; no difference between starters and substitutes – everyone executes what we ask, and that’s the meaning of a true team.”

“We have a plan for substitutions, but it depends on how the game unfolds – if we’re ahead or behind, we read the overall feel before deciding,” he concluded.

Source: Diario SPORT