Flick talks Araujo, Ansu, Christensen, Inigo, Laporta, renewal ahead of Barcelona vs Real Betis | OneFootball

The action does not stop for FC Barcelona as just three days after their Spanish Super Cup triumph, they take on Real Betis in the Copa del Rey Round of 16 in Montjuic.

Having eased past UD Barbastro in the previous round, the Blaugrana will hope to make light work of Manuel Pellegrini’s side as well to progress further in the cup competition.

On the eve of the match, manager Hansi Flick attended the customary press conference during which he addressed the speculations surrounding the future of Ronald Araujo amongst other things.

On Real Betis game, Super Cup triumph

Kicking things off, Flick touched upon the game against Betis, who had held them to a draw in the league, saying:

“The important thing is that after winning the Spanish Super Cup we have to show that we can beat Betis.”

Talking up the win against Real Madrid in the Super Cup finale, Flick explained: “I really liked the way we played against Madrid. It has to give us confidence. This season is not easy. We have to prove it.

“The most important thing is that all the players know that. That’s the attitude we have to have: to work as a team. I’ve always said that. It’s crucial.”

On whether the win against Real Madrid meant more than just a trophy, he added: “The game against Madrid was a great victory because it was a final, because it was El Clasico, because of the result… we feel proud for the club, for the fans….

“But in the end, we have to keep proving it.”

Flick again insisted that the team must perform again tomorrow to show that it was not a one-off, saying:

“We have to prove it tomorrow. It’s very important that we have the same performance and focus. We are ready to win this game. In every pass, in every situation, we have to be perfect.

“This is the essence of the team. We are facing a very good team and we have to show it.”

On Araujo, Ansu, and the squad

The chat then quickly swerved to Araujo and his future and if the Uruguayan had told the club that he wanted to leave. Addressing the matter, the manager said:

“I’m not going to reveal the conversations I’ve had with him. It’s a pity about Inigo’s injury, it’s a very important loss. After four weeks he will be able to return.

“Against Madrid, we saw that Araujo is back, his performance was very good. He is one of the best centre-backs in the world. He proved it on Sunday, I’m very happy.”

Fallen out of favour. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The Barcelona head coach then delved into the situation of Ansu Fati, who has been absent from the matchday squad for the last two games, while also confirming the return date for Andreas Christensen.

“I’m really happy with all the players in the team. It’s football. Inigo, Bernal and Ter Stegen are injured. Christensen will be back on Saturday. That’s for me the important thing,” he said.

“I am honest with all the players. I have spoken to Ansu about his situation. When I arrived at Barça I said that Ansu was doing very well and that he was working very hard, but the problems after his first injury… have meant that he has never been able to show his 100%,” he added.

“When we arrived we were convinced that he could come back, but, for the moment, he will have to work, like everyone else, to come back and give his best.”

On the possibility of January signings, Flick stated: “I talk to Deco every day. I’m happy with my team.”

As for the goalkeeping situation and whether anything had changed following Wojciech Szczesny’s recent performances, the manager replied:

“We saw Szczesny with a great performance, it’s good to see him after his retirement. He is giving everything. He has an incredible mentality. He helps all the staff a lot, even the other goalkeepers.

“It’s good to see that he can play at this level. I’m very happy. Inaki, being under pressure, and seeing him this strong gives us confidence. He’s been improving his performances with every game.”

On Laporta’s press conference

About Joan Laporta’s press conference earlier today where he thanked Flick and the others for their patience with regard to the Dani Olmo and Pau Victor registration saga, the manager said:

“I have confidence and I believe in the club. There was nothing we could change, we had to stick to training. After coming back from the holidays, our focus has been on the games. We have to prove it again tomorrow.”

Discussing Laporta’s remarks about outside parties trying to destabilise the team and the club, Flick insisted that the focus has to remain on the on-field matters for him and his players.

“We are focused on our work. We have to focus on what we can change. What happens in the club I can’t focus on. The club is like a big family. I have only good words for my players, the relationship is very good,” the German remarked.

Continuing, he added: “We are very proud that they believed in my team to lead this team. Our job is to see how everything works and how it progresses. In this half year, everyone has shown that the most important thing is that we are being successful.

“We are working on winning titles, like we did on Sunday. I can feel it in every training session. Everyone at the club accepts their role. It’s great to see it, it’s not easy.

“When you win titles, it’s something that reflects, but you also have to keep showing it day by day. Tomorrow is an opportunity to do that.”

Regarding Olmo and Victor’s registration, he added: “I am convinced by Laporta’s explanations.”

On whether he is thinking about renewing his contract at Barcelona, the German stated: “I haven’t thought about it. Things happen very quickly in Barcelona. I feel very good. I want to work at Barça, I have a year and a half on my contract. Now I have to focus on coaching.”

Source: AS