Flick talks Lewandowski, Gavi, Pedri, Casado, Cancelo, Espart, Cortes ahead of Athletic Club vs Barcelona | OneFootball

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick spoke to the media ahead of his side’s upcoming La Liga trip to Athletic Club, a match that could prove important in the title race.

Barcelona currently sit at the top of the table with a four-point advantage over Real Madrid, which gives the Catalan side momentum heading into the final phase of the season. 

However, the team is also dealing with disappointment after being eliminated from the Copa del Rey despite beating Atletico Madrid 3-0 in the semi-final second leg.

When asked about the mood inside the dressing room following the elimination, Flick insisted the players have responded positively and remain focused on the challenges ahead.

“My team is doing well, the atmosphere in the team is good and training is also going well.

“Athletic is a fantastic team, it won’t be easy, they’re playing at home and they’ll be a different team. We’re playing away, and they’re even stronger there.”

Reflecting on the dramatic tie against Atletico Madrid, Flick admitted the team gave everything but ultimately had to accept the outcome.

“We had a great connection with the fans. Everyone gave their best and then anything can happen.

“Atletico played very well in Madrid and defended well here. We have to accept that.”

Major absences

Barcelona will miss several players. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Barcelona will travel to Bilbao with several important players unavailable. 

Midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Gavi are among those missing, along with defenders Jules Kounde, Alejandro Balde and Andreas Christensen.

Flick acknowledged that managing injuries is part of a demanding season but emphasised that the club’s academy players are ready to step up when needed.

“It’s something that needs to be managed. When there are a lot of games, it’s normal for absences to occur.

“Fortunately, we have high-quality players from La Masia and we already have experience working with them.

“These things happen. I’m not happy, I said that after the game. We have to talk about what we can improve.

“That’s always my responsibility and that’s what I want to see. It’s not the medical staff or the physios, it’s my responsibility.”

On Lewandowski and Gavi

The German coach also spoke about the return of Robert Lewandowski, who remains one of Barcelona’s key attacking players.

“I’m very happy with him, he’s performing at a high level. Now he’s back, he’s available to play and he’s a fantastic player, capable of scoring 25 or 30 goals.”

Flick provided updates on several other players as well. Regarding Gavi’s situation, the manager explained that the midfielder is travelling with the squad but is not yet ready to return to action.

“He’ll travel with us. He’s training with us, but he’s not ready to play yet. Maybe after the next break. We’ll see.”

On Pedri and Casado

Pedri is back for Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Pedri is fit but will have his minutes carefully managed due to the demanding schedule ahead.

“He can play, he’s available, but we have several games coming up in the next few days and we’ll have to manage his participation carefully. 

“He’s in good shape, but we need to manage his workload carefully.”

Flick also hinted that young players could play a role in upcoming matches. One player who could receive opportunities is Marc Casado.

“He can play in both positions – centre midfield and full-back – he’s a very intelligent player and I am very happy to have him on the team.”

Looking at the bigger picture, Flick was cautious when discussing Barcelona’s advantage in the title race.

“At the moment it’s important, but what really counts is how it all ends at the end of May. There are still many games and many weeks ahead.”

On youth team players

The coach also praised two youth players who trained with the first team ahead of the match, Xavi Espart and Alvaro Cortes.

“In Espart’s case, I really like his confidence with the ball. He has characteristics reminiscent of Philipp Lahm, he can play as a central midfielder or full-back and he handles himself well both with and without the ball.

“Alvaro has also trained well. They have demonstrated their quality and I am really looking forward to seeing them play.”

Finally, Flick commented on Joao Cancelo and his role in the team.

“When we decided to sign him, we knew what he could bring to the team. He has tremendous quality with the ball and plays at a very high level. 

“He has performed very well in the two matches he has started and you can see that he is gaining confidence.”

On managing Lamine Yamal

Lamine Yamal will be key for Barcelona. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

The Barcelona manager also discussed the challenge of managing young talents such as Lamine Yamal as the season reaches its most decisive stage.

“Managing players’ minutes is not easy. I talk to all of them and they know whether they are going to play or not. 

“I have my own ideas, but I also share that responsibility with the group, because they need to learn to manage themselves for the coming weeks.

“We need everyone until the end of the season. Sometimes we make decisions together and sometimes I make them myself. That’s how I want to manage the team,” he concluded.

Source: AS