Flick talks Cubarsi, Lamine, Gavi, Balde, Rashford, Ballon d’Or ahead of Barcelona vs Getafe | OneFootball

FC Barcelona will look to extend their unbeaten streak in the new season when they take on Getafe at Estadi Johan Cruyff on Sunday night.

Coming off a tough contest against Newcastle United in the UEFA Champions League and the fatigue from the travel, changes are likely to be made for tomorrow’s game.

Hansi Flick, appearing in front of the media on the eve of the game, addressed the same, while also issuing updates on the fitness situation of several players.

Kicking things off, he discussed the game tomorrow and his players’ situation heading into it, saying:

“What matters most to me is my team. We know what to expect, and it’s obviously very important to recover. Today we trained more gently, but well. It’s important to have fresh legs.”

Pau Cubarsi had picked up a knock to his knee against Newcastle and has not trained with the group on Friday or today, leading to question marks over his availability tomorrow.

But Flick assured that the young defender will be at his disposal, saying: “He’ll be an option for tomorrow; we’ll see if he’ll be on the bench or in the starting lineup.”

Barcelona did receive some good news on the fitness front today as Gavi’s condition has improved and the possibility of him undergoing surgery is no longer being considered.

Providing an update, Flick said: “I hope to see him back soon. This isn’t the time to make decisions, but let’s wait two or three more days and see how things progress and what decision is made.”

On the conditions of Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde, Flick remarked: “Of course, we’re working on it. As I said before, we have to take it day by day with Lamine.

“With Balde, his case is better, and we hope to see him again soon. Lamine needs more time.”

Lamine Yamal will be unavailable again. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Regarding the attacking midfield situation, where Fermin Lopez seems to have firmly overtaken Dani Olmo as the preferred starter, Flick noted:

“We always have to make decisions. We’ve just started the season, and we need all the players. Some players may not be entirely happy with their situation, but it’s not about individuals, it’s about the team.

“When they play, they have to show how good they are, but for me, the important thing is the team and the common success.”

The manager also had words of praise for Marcus Rashford, who scored his first goals for Barcelona against Newcastle earlier this week.

“For me, I’ve said it on several occasions. He’s gained confidence with these two goals, and our way of playing is at a high intensity, which is what I expect from him as well,” he said.

“When you join a new club, you have to adapt to a new philosophy, but I think he’s arrived at a good time. I firmly believe in his quality, but you always have to work hard and keep learning. I’m going to keep pushing him and supporting him.”

Talking about the attitude of his players and how they are approaching the season, the Barcelona manager said:

“Looking at last season, things change quickly. I see it this way: we have to be focused game by game. Our job is to give everything for this club. I’m going to give everything for this team, and that’s what I expect from my players.”

Regarding Barcelona’s stadium situation and the continued delays over a return to Spotify Camp Nou, Flick insisted that it is not in his hands and instead he is focusing on the team.

“It’s not in my hands. It’s not my decision, I have to focus on my team. Step by step, we’ll see what happens,” he stated.

Flick also commented on the controversy at Anfield, where Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone was involved in a heated altercation with a Liverpool fan, and things got out of hand.

“I don’t know what Simeone felt. I’ve been through similar situations before, but I focus on the situation on the pitch,” said the Barcelona coach.

“It’s not nice to hear insults, but everyone is different, and I wouldn’t want to get into Cholo’s reaction because I don’t know what he felt.”

Finally, talking about the Ballon d’Or ceremony on Monday, which he will be attending, along with some of his players, Flick remarked:

“One day we’ll see if Lamine wins the Ballon d’Or. We’re nominated, and anyone who’s nominated deserves it. We have to be there and show respect to the winners; it’s vitally important.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo