Flick talks Rashford, Raphinha, Bardghji, Ferran, Bernal ahead of Barcelona vs Olympiacos | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are back in action in the UEFA Champions League this week as they lock horns with Olympiacos on Matchday 3 of the league phase.

Having suffered a defeat to PSG in the previous matchday, the Blaugrana will be gunning to bounce back strongly and secure all three points at Montjuic on Tuesday night.

However, the performances of the team since that PSG game have been far from inspiring – losing to Sevilla and just about scraping a win over Girona.

Hansi Flick, thus, has plenty to think about heading into tomorrow’s contest, especially with El Clasico looming at the weekend.

Speaking to the media ahead of tomorrow’s game in Montjuic, the Barcelona manager acknowledged the attacking threat that Olympiacos possess.

“They have a good attack, the statistics say they are one of the best teams in attack. You only have to look at the match against Arsenal, where they had a lot of chances,” said Flick.

“We have to be alert to these situations, they have good players and a game plan, we have to be careful with them.”

On the team situation

Talking about the team dynamics and morale heading into the match, the German tactician remarked:

“At the moment, we’re in a complicated situation, and I’m happy to have got the three points against Girona. It was very important and you could see that in the atmosphere in training; it’s good to see that, it’s what we need.”

“We have a young team and it needs that. When we analysed the match against Girona, we talked about positioning, about keeping the right distance from the opposition, and if you’re far away from that, you have to run more,” he added.

“That’s what we have to improve: we have to find better positioning and, from there, press.”

On individual players

Flick also confirmed that Ferran Torres and Raphinha will not be available tomorrow and stated that he hopes to have them ready for El Clasico.

“We hope he [Ferran] can play in El Clasico, even Raphinha. That’s what we’re hoping for,” said the Barcelona head coach.

Continuing, he added: “In the end, when he came back from international duty, we saw that the situation was a bit difficult, not much, but we have to minimise risks, and playing him tomorrow would be a risk.

“On Thursday we’ll do more tests and see how he progresses. The situation is about looking after the players, it’s difficult, but later on everyone will be back and we’ll have a new situation.”

Flick hopes Ferran, Raphinha can return for El Clasico. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Flick also provided an update on the situation of Marc Bernal, who has been used sparingly since his return from injury last month.

“As I said, we have to take care of him. We’re not convinced he’s 100% ready to play these matches; they’re always very tough games, and looking at the matches against Sevilla and others, it’s not the best time for him to return to play,” he said.

“We’ll find matches for him to come back in, and he also has to keep improving in training. He’s not at his best for the big games, we have to help him improve.”

Discussing the possibility of Roony Bardghji being included in the starting lineup for tomorrow’s match, Flick remarked:

“We can also think about him playing as a striker or attacking midfielder, whether he’s on the bench or in the starting line-up.

“We think about the starting eleven, but also about who will finish the game, and we discuss which options are best. At the moment, it’s not easy to decide.”

The manager also highlighted Marcus Rashford and the versatility he brings to the table, saying:

“Rashford is a good option as a number 9, but he can also play as a number 11. That’s what we thought when we signed him: he can play as a number 9 or a number 11, and it’s great to have him in our team.

“He has improved a lot in recent weeks, he brings a lot of positives to the team and, of course, he can play as a number 9.”

Regarding Raphinha and his absence, Flick remarked: “I miss Raphinha because he was very important for us last season. Playing at that level is very good for us and, of course, I miss him.”

On his personal situation

Flick was seen highly animated on the touchline during the game against Girona, and his celebrations after Ronald Araujo’s match-winning goal were a sight to behold.

The German tactician, known for his calm demeanour, elaborated on how being at Barcelona had changed his personality, saying:

“I’m not more nervous, maybe my emotions aren’t the same as before. I remember when I was coaching Bayern Munich, there were images of when we won 8-2 against Barça, I never smiled with the eight goals.

“Now I have more emotions; this club has completely changed me. What I can say is that I love this club, I love Barcelona, I love the people here, it’s incredible, and I give my all for this club. I live for the club.”

However, he added: “These things, when I see myself on TV, I don’t like them, to be honest, and I don’t like my grandson seeing me like that, so maybe I have to change my behaviour.”

Regarding his red card against Girona and whether he will be on the touchline against Real Madrid (with Barça appealing his sending off), Flick said:

“For me, there’s work to be done after this match because now it’s time for the Champions League. We can talk about it on Saturday or after Olympiacos.

“I said it after the match against Girona: there was nothing against the referee and he decided to see it differently, and that’s something I have to accept.”

On whether he felt referees in Spain favoured Real Madrid more, he said: “What can I say? (laughs) I’ve been here for 16 months, you’ve been here much longer and know more, I don’t want to say anything about it.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo