Flick talks Olmo, Gundogan, Yamal, Fermin, Christensen, Nico Williams ahead of Barcelona vs Athletic Club | OneFootball

Barcelona will be aiming to make it two wins in two games in the 2024/25 La Liga when they lock horns with Athletic Club tomorrow at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

The Blaugrana began their campaign with a 2-1 win over Valencia at Mestalla last weekend and will be eager to rack up another victory and establish an early lead in the standings after arch-rivals Real Madrid dropped points in their opener.

It will also be Barcelona’s first official home match under Flick and the German tactician will be eager to begin the era with a statement victory.

Speaking to the media on the eve of the match, Flick touched upon several topics, including the registration of Dani Olmo and Ilkay Gundogan’s exit.

“It’s very important to have the support of the fans. It will make us stronger,” said the manager, on playing their first home game of the new season.

On Gundogan’s exit and Olmo’s registration

The Barcelona head coach then explained how Gundogan’s exit came about after he had stated last week that the midfielder would continue at the club.

“After the game against Valencia, I already had that question. He wanted to help us, but he changed his mind this week. I know him and I can only say good things about him. He’s a fantastic player and a fantastic person,” he remarked.

With regard to the registration of Dani Olmo in time for tomorrow’s game, Flick was evasive in his response, saying:

“It’s not my job to talk about registrations. I really like his work, he is ready to play. I hope he will be ready for tomorrow. He’s a fantastic player. I see him in training, under pressure.”

Still not registered. (Photo by MANAURE QUINTERO/AFP via Getty Images)

On the squad and transfers

Barcelona will be boosted by the availability of Fermin Lopez for the game, after the Spanish midfielder returned to training this week following a short vacation.

“The impression is that he is ready to help. After the two tournaments, it was important for him to rest. He is ready to help. He hasn’t lost any form,” said the manager of the 21-year-old.

Discussing the squad at his disposal and whether he is happy with it, Flick remarked: “I am very happy, as I always say, with the team. I have spoken to most of the players, today I will finish talking to those I haven’t spoken to.

“It is important to define the situation of each one. The important thing is that everyone is excited to give their best. We are ready to face Athletic.”

On whether he thinks something is missing from this squad, the 59-year-old added: “I always focus on what I have. Work on what I can change and don’t think about what I don’t have. And I have a good team with which we will try to win tomorrow.”

The manager also provided an update on the condition of Andreas Christensen, who did not train today due to some physical problems, saying:

“Obviously, we have already spoken, I have to say that he has some problems and today he trained alone. The way he is now he cannot help the team. Last year he played some games with problems and we have to look after him.

“He is a very good defender and for the club, it is important to have him at 100 per cent. He can’t help us at 80 per cent.”

Set to miss tomorrow’s game. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Flick also weighed in on the comparisons between Marc Casado and Joshua Kimmich, saying: “He has some similarities with Kimmich. He played a lot of games with the youth team last season. What he’s seen I’ve liked, what I’ve seen so far he’s done well.

“You will often hear me say that I am very happy with the Barça Atlètic players.”

The Barcelona head coach was also full of praise for Lamine Yamal, saying: “Lamine played in the European Championship and it’s true that we only got him a fortnight ago. What I see in training is incredible.

“It’s important for us to have good ball control and he helps us. Especially when we don’t make the mistake of losing the ball. He will help us a lot.”

There was also praise for Raphinha and everything he offers to the table with his work rate and versatility, as Flick remarked:

“The best thing when you have a player like Rapha in the team is that he can occupy several positions. I don’t like to talk about one player in particular, I talk more about the team.

“Raphinha always does what we expect from him, in the second half he ran a lot, he pressed high, he put intensity and helped us to do what we were looking for.”

On Athletic Club and Nico Williams

The Barcelona manager also had some words of praise for tomorrow’s opponents, Athletic Club, saying:

“They are one of the teams that in recent years has run the most kilometres. Physically they are very strong and they have a great coach. It will be a tough game.”

On the transfer links between Barcelona and Athletic’s Nico Williams and how he intends to stop him tomorrow, the manager said:

“We have players with a lot of experience, Jules can take care of him. But it’s not my job to talk about a player from the opposing team. We will focus on trying to stop him and I’m sure Jules will have a great game.”

Source: BarçaOne