Flick talks Joan Garcia, Ter Stegen, Szczesny, Lewandowski, Real Madrid ahead of Guadalajara vs Barcelona | OneFootball

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick faced the media ahead of the Copa del Rey clash against CD Guadalajara, using the press conference to clarify his thinking on several matters related to the match. 

With Barcelona entering a decisive phase of the season, Flick struck a calm but demanding tone throughout.

Speaking first about the challenge posed by Guadalajara, Flick made it clear that he does not believe the competition or setting should change Barcelona’s mentality.

“It’s the same. We have to play as we do in La Liga, we’re the favourite,s and that’s what I want to see from the team, I want to see quality,” he began saying.

The goalkeeping situation

Uncertainty remains around the starting lineup, particularly in goal. 

When asked directly about the goalkeeper for the match, Flick refused to be drawn into early decisions, explaining, 

“We haven’t decided yet. We don’t know the starting eleven. We’ll have 24 more hours to recover and we’ll decide tomorrow.”

Joan Garcia will be rested. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

The conversation then shifted to Marc-Andre ter Stegen and his role within the squad. 

Flick acknowledged the complexity of managing three elite goalkeepers while reiterating the current order. 

“He [Ter Stegen] competes on equal terms. He’s a fantastic goalkeeper. We have three great players and I’m delighted. 

“It’s clear what I said before, Joan is number one. Tek had a fantastic season last year. For me, Tek is a very important player.”

On whether he would understand if Ter Stegen chose to stay and fight for his place, Flick showed empathy and respect for the player’s position. 

“It’s his decision. We have talked about his situation and I respect him. He’s a fantastic goalkeeper and a very good player, and he’s also a great person.”

Discussing Garcia specifically, Flick suggested rest could be on the cards but again stressed patience. 

“Joan Garcia will rest tomorrow. First, I want to talk to the players and then we’ll decide who will start. I want to wait until tomorrow because we’re in a recovery period.”

Rotation and key positions

Rotation was another major topic, especially with key fixtures coming up. Flick confirmed changes were likely but made his priorities clear, saying, 

“That will also be decided tomorrow, of course, it could happen. 

“Lewandowski, we’ll see how he is tomorrow. We’re going to change something, but we want to win, that’s the most important thing.”

Lewandowski is a doubt for this game. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

If Lewandowski is unavailable, Flick revealed Barcelona have multiple internal solutions for the number nine role.

“We always think about it. There are several players who can play there. Fermin, Marcus… they can play there.”

Real Madrid and the recent controversy

Asked about recent complaints from Real Madrid regarding refereeing, Flick chose diplomacy and perspective. He responded, 

“We all know that refereeing is part of the game. Without referees, we can’t play. Sometimes you think they could have done better, but other times they do a fantastic job. 

“Everyone makes mistakes. Referees are under a lot of pressure and it’s not fair.”

Finally, Flick reflected on Barcelona’s season so far and how it compares to last year. Highlighting progress after adversity, he concluded, 

“We’ve suffered a lot in the last two months due to injuries. We’re halfway through the season and we have a lot of room for improvement. 

“That’s our goal: to improve with every game. This is the way we want to continue,” he concluded.

Source: AS