Flick talks Lamine, Eric Garcia, Fermin, Raphinha, Martin, Gavi ahead of Real Betis vs Barcelona | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are back in action on Saturday as they get set to take on Real Betis away at Estadio La Cartuja, hoping to extend their lead at the top of the La Liga standings.

The Blaugrana have bounced back well from their defeat to Chelsea, beating Deportivo Alaves and Atletico Madrid in back-to-back matches to overtake Real Madrid and become league leaders with a one-point advantage.

With Real Madrid facing a tricky Celta Vigo outfit on Sunday, Barcelona can put pressure on them by winning tomorrow and stretching their lead to four points.

Ahead of the contest, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick spoke to the media in his pre-match press conference, discussing several topics, including Eric Garcia’s contract renewal.

Kicking things off, though, the German tactician highlighted the challenges that await his team against Real Betis, saying:

“Betis have a fantastic team with players of great quality. We have to show the same as we did against Atletico. It was a great victory, and it gives us more confidence, but we have to show it again tomorrow.”

Talking about Eric Garcia, who signed a new five-year contract with Barcelona until 2031, the Flick remarked:

“I think that given the level he plays at and what he’s showing, he’s doing very well and deserves a contract renewal. He’s an important player in the dressing room, he loves this club and could be captain in the future.”

Continuing about the versatile defender, the manager added: “We could see his potential right from the start of the season. He struggled with injuries at first, but ultimately he’s a very professional player, which is great to see.

“When you want to be a leader, it’s also important to be disciplined and give your all for the team, regardless of whether you play at full-back, center-back, or elsewhere. I’m very happy for him, he deserves to renew his contract and it’s good news for everyone.”

Flick also confirmed that Fermin Lopez was back from injury and could play against Real Betis tomorrow, while lamenting Dani Olmo’s absence.

“Fermin can play, I’m not sure about the starting lineup, but I’m happy to have him back. Dani is a good player, these things happen, we’ll have to manage it,” he said.

Fermin is back. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The manager also confirmed the return of Frenkie de Jong, who missed he last two matches, saying:

“I don’t know about the starting lineup, but he could play tomorrow.”

Talking about the team’s reaction after the loss to Chelsea, Flick commented: “Right now, we’re happy to be playing at this level. After the defeat against Chelsea, I believe in and trust my team.

“We’ve shown that when we connect and occupy our positions well, we do well, and that’s what I want to see.”

Flick also touched upon his relationship with Raphinha and the Brazilian winger’s importance to the team, saying:

“We have a very good relationship. Rapha is a very important player for us. He initiates the pressing game, with and without the ball. Having him in the team is fantastic for me.”

Flick also had words of praise for Gerard Martin, who is excelling as a makeshift centre-back, as he said:

“He’s playing very well, focused, disciplined in defence and attack. He does everything very well, and that’s what we expect from him. That’s why he’s playing.”

Talking about Gavi, who is a long-term injury absentee, and how the midfielder was dealing with his situation, Flick remarked:

“He’s fine. On Tuesday, he celebrated the win with everyone. He’s doing well, and I’m sure he’ll come back stronger than before.”

Concluding, Flick also highlighted the improvement made by Lamine Yamal in the defensive side of his game, saying:

“We always talk about players in offensive and defensive roles; he also helped the team a lot against Atlético by pressing. He has improved a lot in defence, but also in attack; the level he is showing is fantastic, I love watching him.

“He is a player who always wants to improve; he wants to keep going and beat the next opponent. Sometimes it’s not easy, there are many players in La Liga who like these one-on-one situations, but in Lamine’s case, 90% of the time it’s a foul, but he keeps going.

“You have to know how to make the right decisions, have confidence in yourself and be able to contribute.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo