Flick talks Lamine, Fermin, Raphinha, De Jong, Lewandowski, Deco ahead of Barcelona vs Mallorca | OneFootball

FC Barcelona will host RCD Mallorca tomorrow at the Spotify Camp Nou in a replay of the opening matchday of the 2025/26 La Liga.

Currently sitting at the top of the table, one point ahead of Real Madrid, Barcelona will be aiming to stretch their lead with a win and put pressure on their rivals, who face a tricky trip to Villarreal on Sunday.

The Blaugrana come into the game on the back of a 2-1 win over Albacete in the Copa del Rey, and have now stitched together a run of five consecutive victories across all competitions.

Ahead of tomorrow’s game against Mallorca, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick addressed the media in his pre-match press conference, sharing his thoughts on several topics, including Fermin Lopez’s renewal and Lamine Yamal’s form.

“I’m really happy with him, with his growth. The most important thing for players like him is that he’s happy,” said Flick on Lamine and his growth during the past 18 months or so.

“He’s focused, and the way he’s playing, providing assists, scoring goals… he’s in great form and will bring us a lot of joy in the coming years.”

On being further probed about how Lamine has improved, he detailed: “I hope so, it’s necessary to grow and give your best every day to win titles. Right now he’s in form, and that’s good.

“He’s very intelligent, both on and off the field. He’s very good off the field too. When he trains at 100% and gives 100% on the field, he knows it. We help him with other things.” 

Flick is pleased with Lamine’s growth. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Flick’s attention was then brought to statements made by Barça presidential candidate Victor Font, who claimed today that he would stick with the German as his coach if he won the elections, but would replace Deco as director.

On being asked if he could visualise with a different sporting director, the manager said: “Right now I’m very happy working with Deco, we share a philosophy. We know what we have to do, I appreciate it a lot.” 

Flick then sang praises of La Masia for the talent they churn out, while highlighting Fermin Lopez’s success as an example, following the midfielder’s recent renewal.

“I’ve said it several times, La Masia has done a great job with these players,” Flick said.

“Obviously, they have to develop. Fermin is fantastic, he’s a player who came through La Masia, he has a lot of quality, it’s fantastic for him and for the future of the club.” 

Reflecting on Raphinha’s injury and absence, Flick stated: “We have to wait and see if he’ll be in the Cup. We need to stay calm and take it one step at a time.”

The manager also discussed in detail the improvement and evolution of Frenkie de Jong, who has been playing some of his best football in recent matches.

“I think it’s a matter of the player himself. He can play as a defensive midfielder or a central midfielder. He’s grown as a leader on the pitch. I talk to him a lot,” said the German tactician.

“He feels very comfortable in Barcelona, ​​he really likes it here. We have to keep this up. It’s important that he maintains this level. We expect a lot from him, and he accepts that.”

Talking about how he is seen as a ‘father figure’ by players in the Barcelona squad, Flick elaborated:

“Sometimes I’m also like a grandfather, that’s just how it is (laughs). The important thing is that they can give their best. When things are going well, everything is good in terms of motivation and relaxation, so they can keep giving more; that’s my philosophy.

“I like to be close to them. We played three games in six days, and they’ve always been focused, and I appreciate that. It’s very important that they receive respect.”

Lewandowski’s contract expires in June. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Flick also commented on the matter of Robert Lewandowski’s future, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, saying:

“Of course we’ve talked about this situation, but it’s not the end of the season. I don’t know what will happen. I know he wants to play a bit more, get more minutes; he’s in good form.

“He loves playing for Barça, I don’t know what will happen at the end of the season. We don’t know what will happen with the club. We’ll find out in the future.”

The Barcelona manager also touched upon his expectations from Ronald Araujo, who started his first game after his mental health break when he played against Albacete this week.

“He has a top physique, unlike the rest of the players. He’s very fast, one of the captains, one of the leaders. He has to keep going like this, take it step by step,” he said.

“Our playing philosophy isn’t easy because of his style of play, but he’s growing, and we have to help him adapt more to our philosophy.” 

Concluding, Flick was asked about Mallorca winger Jan Virgili, who is excelling after leaving Barcelona last summer, and whether a return to the club was on the cards for the youngster.

“What I can say is what I see, which is that he’s doing a great job at Mallorca. I’m very happy for him,” he stated.

Source: Mundo Deportivo