Every word from Hansi Flick’s pre-match press conference ahead of Real Oviedo vs FC Barcelona | OneFootball

After putting in another comeback performance and winning their midweek UEFA Champions League match against Slavia Praha, FC Barcelona are set to return to La Liga action this weekend as they take on Real Oviedo at the Spotify Camp Nou.

The Catalans would be keen to overturn the defeat they suffered in their last league game in this match, and the supporters can expect a strong performance from their team.

Ahead of this game, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, Hansi Flick addressed his customary press conference yesterday and talked about different aspects of the Blaugrana club, the team’s form, and the upcoming game.

The German coach started by stating one clear expectation from his team in this game:

“We’re playing at home, and we want to win. That’s our responsibility. In recent matches, the opponent has always scored first, and we want to avoid that.”

The Barcelona coach did not voice too much of an opinion when asked about the date announced for the club’s presidential elections:

“It’s not my job; the president spoke with me. As soon as possible, it’s positive. We are professionals and we have to play football. The president wants it that way and so do we. We have to give our best.”

Flick also gave a hint about whom he would be voting for in these coming elections:

“I think that in the last year and a half, there have been many positive changes. We are much better, we’ve chosen our signings well and we’ve given opportunities to La Masia players. This is a good situation. We’ve done things well. For the club it’s important to have stability. We’ll see what happens. The members will decide the future of the club.”

The German coach also assured the press that he will cast his vote:

“I think so, but it’s a secret. If I have the option to vote, I’ll do it for sure.”

The Barcelona coach did not give any clear answer on whether Ronald Araujo would start against Oviedo:

“We have to manage his minutes. He’s doing very well so far. He’s an option to start, but we’ll have to see. We’ll decide tomorrow.”

Flick was also asked about his team’s weakness from set pieces:

“We don’t have much time to train it, but we’ve talked about it. In Prague, it was different. I don’t want to make excuses, but it was very cold, and they had very tall players. On the second goal, Lewandowski didn’t have time to react. It’s important to be well-positioned, and we’ve talked about it. At Barça, we usually don’t have very tall players, and we’ve always managed it.”

Further talking about defensive mistakes, the Barcelona manager said:

“We’ve made some mistakes, and that’s why the goals have come. Maybe the focus has to be sharper for the full 90 minutes. Teams defend with everything against us. Defending is more difficult. You have to be prepared. We’ve talked about it, and we have to do it.”

Flick shared some positive updates about Gavi:

“I see him almost every day. He’s training and improving a lot. The most important thing for him is to stay calm and go step by step. There’s no need to rush. He has a long career ahead of him and there’s no need to hurry. If he returns in February, we’ll be happy, but for me the important thing is that he comes back fully fit.”

The German coach did not give a clear answer on who he will vote for:

“I know one or two of the pre-candidates, but I’m focused on my job. I’ll decide who I’ll vote for.”

The Blaugrana trainer spoke very highly of Pau Cubarsi:

Flick ended his presser by praising Fermin Lopez, who has been in incredible form lately:

“He can change games, and that’s what we need from him. He could be calmer on the ball, but that’s his style. He has intensity, dynamism, and in space he can hurt the opponent. He’s fantastic in front of goal. He always presses, like Raphinha.”

Barcelona need the full three points from the game against Real Oviedo to regain their lead, as they are now two points behind Real Madrid at the top of the league table. Hopefully, Hansi Flick will be able to get a reaction from his team in this match, and get the full three points.