Hansi Flick talks Gavi, Lamine, Pedri, Balde, de Jong, Cubarsi, Bernal, Camp Nou ahead of Real Oviedo vs Barcelona | OneFootball

FC Barcelona continued their winning run as they hosted Getafe in their last La Liga game, beating the Madrid side 3-0. As things stand, the Blaugranes have won four league matches and drawn one, against Rayo Vallecano.

The Catalans are expected to continue with this form as they face Real Oviedo in their next league game on Thursday. Ahead of this game, the Barcelona coach Hansi Flick held his customary press conference, in which he addressed different aspects of his team and expressed his thoughts on the upcoming game.

The main highlights, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, from Flick’s presser, are as follows:

Flick began by analysing Barça’s opponents and praised their courage on the pitch:

“They are a very brave team, playing with a high defensive line. But for me, the important thing is the team, and we’ve done well in the last three games. We’re in a good moment, you can see it in training, and we are confident.”

When asked about Gavi’s long-term absence, Flick admitted it was a tough blow, but insisted patience and protection were key:

“When you receive this kind of information, you say, bad news, but in the end, it’s the best for him. We have to take care of him, he has to go step by step, and it was the way to make sure he has a long career. To be 100% fit and then gradually return. He’s a player with a huge heart, I’m very happy to have him in the team. He has a huge heart, very emotional, I wouldn’t say he would die for this club, but he lives for this club. It’s not easy for the team, but we will support him so that he comes back to his best.”

On Lamine Yamal missing out on the Ballon d’Or, the German revealed that the youngster remains motivated:

“I spoke with him and he’s motivated for the coming years. He accepted it sportingly and is motivated to show his full potential, and I’m sure he’ll have chances to win it in the coming years. Ousmane also deserved it. It wasn’t just him who was nominated, we had other players too, and that shows we are doing things right.”

The coach also welcomed Paul Scholes’ recent words comparing Pedri to FC Barcelona legends Xavi and Iniesta:

“When you’re an attacking player, you get more attention. If Scholes says that, who was a wonderful player, it’s something good. Pedri is at an incredible level, just like Frenkie. I’m very happy with what I see in training.”

When asked about the La Liga title race with Real Madrid setting the pace and a potential 100-point season, Flick preferred to keep the focus inward:

“I don’t know, we’ve done a good job in these games. But if you look at last year, we had ups and downs, but we’re focused on ourselves and on what we can do. That’s what we need to do.”

The coach also provided an update on Alejandro Balde’s condition, confirming he will not feature against Oviedo:

“Not for this match, he won’t be there. But we’ll see his progress and if he can be there at the weekend. We won’t take risks, when we get the green light he’ll play a few minutes.”

Flick returned to Gavi’s situation, explaining how he broke the news to the youngster and praised his professionalism:

“I think it’s not easy for a young player to receive this kind of news. I woke him up this morning. He was surprised, but there was training, and he had to be up early. He was fine, but we have to help him. He’s very professional, especially in his attitude, which is top-level. Now with this second injury, he must be very disciplined and regain rhythm. It’s not easy, but if someone can overcome it, it’s him.”

Speaking on Marc Bernal’s return, Flick hinted at more opportunities in the future:

“When we see it’s the right moment for him to play, he will play. He’s doing well in training, but we didn’t think it was right for him to play against Newcastle, and against Getafe we opted for other options.”

On Frenkie de Jong, Flick strongly denied any sense of criticism from the fanbase and instead praised his leadership:

“I never felt that he was criticised. I’m not on social media, and that’s a good thing, but I think every Barça fan can see how important Frenkie is. For me, it’s fantastic to have him in the team. I enjoy this team and I enjoy him. He’s a very important player and I talk to him a lot because I like to know his opinion.”

Asked about the renovation of Camp Nou, the coach made clear that Barça’s philosophy would not change:

“I haven’t gone to see the works at Camp Nou, I did that when I first arrived in Barcelona. It won’t change our way of playing, we want to dominate, press, play with conviction… and that’s regardless of whether we play at the Johan, the Olímpic…”

On squad rotations, Flick insisted he trusts the depth of his team:

“I don’t remember much how I managed the line-ups last year, but I do remember that there were many injured players. This year too with Fermín, Lamine, Balde… Playing every two or three days causes that, you have to rotate, and I trust every player, they are all at a good level.”

The German once again underlined his confidence in his entire squad, regardless of playing without Lamine Yamal:

“I never think about the players who are missing, but rather the options that can play. I think it’s important for the players to feel that I have confidence in each one of them. Everything is the same, with any eleven we can win.”

Regarding the Ballon d’Or ceremony, Flick admitted it was not something he enjoys but reiterated his pride in the Barcelona squad:

Finally, on Pau Cubarsí’s preferred position, Flick highlighted his growing versatility:

Hansi Flick provided a good outlook of the team and the upcoming match in this presser. Barcelona will have to ensure they get the full three points from this match, as Real Madrid have already won their game against Levante, and are leading the table with 18 points. Hopefully, Flick will be able to get another win to keep closely behind their main opponents for the league title.