Hansi Flick talks Ter Stegen, Kounde, Casado, Lewandowski, Balde ahead of Real Valladolid vs Barcelona | OneFootball

Following a 3-3 draw with Inter Milan in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final, FC Barcelona are now set to play a La Liga game, against Real Valladolid.

The Blaugranes will have one eye on the upcoming second leg of the UCL tie against the Italians, which is scheduled right after this league game, for the coming Tuesday, and thus are expected to make several rotations for this game against Real Valladolid.

However, this game is still important, as Real Madrid are hot on their heels in the league table, and the Catalans will be keen not to lose any more points to ensure they end up as Spanish champions as soon as possible.

Hansi Flick has addressed his customary press conference ahead of this game, which has been covered by Mundo Deportivo. The main highlights of this presser are as follows:

The German coach made it clear that his team’s aim is to win La Liga:

Hansi Flick confirmed there will be some changes in the lineup for the upcoming game:

“Against Inter it was clear that players like Koundé can get injured. We have to listen to the medical staff now to know which player needs rest. Tough weeks are coming and obviously we’ll have to make rotations.”

However, he also made it clear that he will call up all the available players:

“No. Everyone who is fit will travel. We need all the positive energy. I saw it in training today and we need it tomorrow.”

Surprisingly, the Barcelona coach also revealed who will start in goal tomorrow:

“Yes, Marc will play tomorrow. We can end the press conference now (laughs).”

The German tactician was not surprised to see so much praise for Lamine Yamal:

“I think he knows what I want from him. When you’re able to play at this level, the goal is to maintain it. All players have room for improvement, and so does he. He has talent and ability, but now he needs to stay calm and keep going. We’re delighted with his level. He’s 17 years old and it’s incredible, but we know he has to maintain his performance and even improve. He wants that too.”

Although relegated, Hansi Flick was wary of the threat Real Valladolid can pose:

“I always think about what the opposing coach would say. For them, it’s great to play against Madrid, Barça, or Atlético because they have the chance to show they’re good. I focus on what we can do.”

The Barcelona trainer did not confirm whether any of the injured players will return to play tomorrow:

“We have to wait and monitor the progress day by day. They’re on the right track, but we have to wait. It’s the same with Casadó, who trained partially today. We can’t take risks. Robert is progressing very well, and we’ll have to see with Balde.”

When asked about the high number of goals conceded by his team, Flick opened up on why this was natural for a team that takes such a risky approach:

“We can improve both in attack and defense. Many people say we take a lot of risks with our playing style, even in the German press. If you look at other teams and how they concede goals, I couldn’t tell you the difference between them and us. We’ve scored many, and of course our style involves risks, but I love it.

In the end, people only focus on the defense when it comes to goals conceded and on the forwards for goals scored. But it’s all about the team—what matters is how we play as a team.”

The Barcelona coach also did not reveal a lot about his mineup for the Valladolid match:

“I can change many things tomorrow. As a coach, you have to think about the upcoming matches too, but I live in the present. Tomorrow we have a game and we have to win it. If there’s something special against Valladolid, that could influence the lineup against Inter. I think I have 6 or 7 starters in mind for the return leg, but not the rest.”

The German tactician was clear his team can improve on defending corners:

“I think we can defend much better. It’s not just about height, it’s how you make the blocks, how you take responsibility in defense… but of course, Inter caused us a lot of damage from set pieces. Bayern also conceded. Inter also has a great set-piece taker, maybe one of the best.”

Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo defending a corner during Barcelona vs Inter Milan. [Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images]

Hansi Flick reiterated Ter Stegen’s starting sport for tomorrow:

“I think it’s good for goalkeepers to have some minutes to recover, and it will be like that for ‘Tek’. Marc is on a good path, and his performance in training is fantastic. I’m not thinking about changing anything until the end of the season, but I could. That’s how things are. For now, Marc will play tomorrow.”

Lastly, the Blaugrana manager also raised hopes about Lewandowski’s return for the second leg against Inter Milan:

“It’s possible that he will return for the second leg against Inter. Robert is doing very well, and his recovery is progressing much better than we expected. We’ll have to see. He’s a great professional and always works hard to be at 100%. It’s possible that he’ll return on Tuesday.”

Undoubtedly, the most surprising thing from this press conference was Flick’s admission about Ter Stegen’s starting role tomorrow. Hopefully, the German will be able to play without any problems and help his team get a much-needed win.