Flick talks Lamine, Araujo, Szczesny, Pedri, Rashford, injuries ahead of Barcelona vs PSG | OneFootball

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick addressed the media before the highly anticipated Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain, describing the French side as the toughest opponent in world football.

“It’s a different competition. We’re playing against the best in the world. PSG has a great coach and great players. It’s a great challenge,” Flick said.

Both clubs have been hit by injury problems ahead of the encounter. Barcelona will be without Fermin Lopez, Joan Garcia, and Gavi, while PSG are missing key names such as Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Marquinhos, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

On this subject, Flick admitted, “It’s part of our job. We have to know how to manage injuries. This is the situation.”

Despite the setbacks, Flick expressed confidence in his squad depth. “It’s not that I haven’t found the right formula; it’s because I have confidence in the whole team, and there’s a lot of quality. It’s good that it’s like this.

“You see all the injuries there are, and PSG too. We have to manage it well.

“We’re missing important players in midfield, but we have to have confidence in the young players.”

On Yamal and Araujo

Lamine Yamal is fit to play against PSG. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

Speaking about Lamine Yamal’s return, Flick remained cautious.

“For me, hyping a player up so much isn’t good. We’re focused on working hard. He’s talented and can go very high.

“He can reach higher levels, but he has to work hard. It’s not just about how good you are with the ball, but you also have to work defensively.”

Asked about Ronald Araujo, who was sent off in last season’s clash with PSG, Flick responded.

“I haven’t decided on my defensive pairing. What happened in the past no longer works; now is different.

“For me, it’s not the same situation, and I have the utmost confidence in all my players. Araujo is an incredible player, and he’s shown that in recent matches. I’m very happy with him.”

The coach also refused to confirm his striker for the match, “We’ll need both of them (Ferran and Lewandowski) and we’ll see who starts.”

On Szczesny, Pedri and Rashford

Flick has nothing but praise for Pedri. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

On Wojciech Szczesny, Flick added, “He’s a player with whom we won three titles last season. He’s ready, of course.”

When asked about Barça’s desire for revenge after last year’s painful defeat, Flick kept his focus on the present,

“We are Barça and we’re always among the favourites, but the road is very long and we have to work hard.

“We don’t look at the past; everything has changed: PSG, the players, Barça… We don’t look at the past.”

The German also highlighted Pedri’s importance. “He’s one of the captains, and in his position, he should be one of the leaders.

“I also listen to his opinion, and we talk a lot. It’s important to hear different perspectives.”

Finally, on Marcus Rashford’s adaptation to La Liga, Flick noted, “The Newcastle game was important for his confidence.

“It’s not easy coming from the Premier League and playing in La Liga; everything is different. He’s doing a great job.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo