Flick talks Lamine, Pedri, Olmo, Lewandowski, Joan Garcia, Cubarsi ahead of Barcelona vs Elche | OneFootball

Following their 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid, FC Barcelona will be itching to bounce back strongly when they take on Elche tomorrow at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

Already five points behind Xabi Alonso’s men, the Blaugrana could find themselves trailing by eight, given that the current league leaders play relegation-battling Valencia later tonight.

So, it goes without saying that after a forgetful month of October, Hansi Flick & co. cannot afford any more slip-ups and must get things back on track immediately.

Ahead of the game at Montjuic, which could be Barça’s last at the venue ahead of a potential return to Camp Nou later this month, Hansi Flick spoke to the media in his pre-match press conference.

Kicking things off, the German tactician praised the way Elche play, saying: “It’s different. I like the way Elche plays. They play good football and as a team. It will be important to pressure them the way we want.”

Regarding his team’s situation heading into the match, especially after the Clasico loss, Flick added: “I’ve been happy the last few days because I’ve liked what I’ve seen. We have Olmo and Lewandowski back, but we’ve lost Pedri.”

Amid reports suggesting that Lamine Yamal was not at 100% fitness, Flick issued an update on the Barcelona sensation’s condition, saying:

“There’s talk about Lamine every week. He’s doing well. I just spoke with him. He experiences some discomfort on certain days. He’s improving and pushing himself. He’s progressing well.”

On how he and the staff handle things with Lamine, he added: “We do it. We talk to him and we do it normally. We’re both very honest. I’ll always protect him and support him. He’s a fantastic guy, very young. We’ll continue down this path.”

Talking about the injury blow to Pedri, which will keep him out for 6-7 weeks, the Barcelona coach remarked:

“The injury surprised us. After playing against Real Madrid, he only felt fatigued. Then the injury was discovered. We have to accept it. We’re missing one of our key players. He gives us stability and a lot of possession. We have to manage.”

No Pedri for Barça, but Lamine is fit. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

On the number of injuries for Barcelona this season, which has become a concern within the club, the manager noted:

“Sometimes things are like that. We have to accept it. There’s still a long way to go until the end of the season.”

Flick also issued an update on goalkeeper Joan Garcia’s condition and spoke about whether Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo were ready to start after being cleared for the match.

“With Joan Garcia, we’re taking it day by day. He looks good, but we shouldn’t put pressure on him. We’ll see how much Lewandowski and Olmo can play tomorrow,” he said.

When asked if he felt that the players were underperforming this season, Flick noted: “When not everyone is available to play, it’s not easy to manage.

“It makes it harder for them to reach their best level. Now, with Olmo and Lewandowski, the other players will raise their level.”

Flick was also asked about Pau Cubarsi and how the teenage defender can take his game to the next level and fulfil his potential. In response, he said:

“He’s 18. That’s normal; it’s not the same as being 24 or 26 when you’re always at your peak. He’s playing at a very high level; 95% of the players are top-level.

“I’m very happy with him. Perhaps it’s not just him; others aren’t at their best either. We have to improve on that; that’s our job.”

Flick was not on the touchline for Barcelona’s loss to Real Madrid last week due to a one-match ban. On being asked about the experience of having to watch the game from the stands, he said:

“I don’t want to look back. I didn’t like it. I have to work hard so I can be on the bench for every game.”

The manager was also asked if he considered using Lamine in a more central role, to which he said:

“I think the best way for him to get back to his best right now is to return to where he performed best. In some situations, he can play from the centre. The most important thing for him is to touch the ball; that’s his strength.”

On the youngster’s comment regarding Real Madrid, which sparked a lot of controversy, Flick stated: “For me, Real Madrid is in the past; I don’t want to talk about it.”

Concluding, the Barcelona manager spoke about Inaki Pena, currently on loan at Elche from the Catalan club.

“Inaki is a great goalkeeper, but we have to play a good game. We have to win the three points; it won’t be easy,” he said.

Source: AS