Barcelona head into a crucial run of fixtures with focus, caution, and belief, as Hansi Flick made it clear his side must be fully locked in for what could define their season.
Speaking ahead of the first of three meetings with Atletico Madrid as reported by we coach barcelona vis their youtube channel, the Barcelona manager admitted he is expecting another huge battle against one of Spain’s toughest opponents.
As Softfootball reported, Flick said:
It’s a game against one of the best teams in the League. Also probably in Europe, so many quality, many players can decide the game. So it’s for us very important that we made not so many mistakes like the last game in Atletico.
He also stressed the urgency of the final stretch, adding:
I feel that there is energy because we have now the last maybe eight weeks till the end of the season and we have to be focused.
Barcelona’s preparations, however, have not been without setbacks. Flick addressed Raphinha’s injury with sympathy and honesty, revealing how disappointed the Brazilian was after the news.
He was very sad about this. And also we are not happy. This is normal,
Flick said. He explained that he even made a FaceTime call to the player and decided to let him stay a little longer in Brazil with family to mentally reset.
I gave him some days in Brazil with his family to clear his mind. And I think in these moments also you have to decide different than you normally do.
With Raphinha unavailable, Flick hinted that Marcus Rashford could be one of the players trusted to step up.
I’m happy with Marcus because he performed well… it’s a big chance for him to show again, but also we have other options.
The Barcelona coach also touched on issues beyond football, particularly the incidents at Cornella-El Prat and their possible impact on Lamine Yamal. Flick delivered a strong message on inclusion and respect, saying:
We stand for integration, for inclusion. This is our concept every day.
He continued:
We all wanted to be respected. It doesn’t matter about your colour, doesn’t matter about your region… it’s time now to change these thoughts.
It was one of the strongest moments of the press conference and showed the manager’s determination to protect his players both on and off the pitch.
On the squad front, Flick gave some encouraging updates.
The good thing is that Balde and Jules Kounde are back. This is good. Also Eric is back. And we have to wait for Frenkie. Maybe he can start with the training with the team next week.
He also praised Robert Lewandowski for quickly shifting his focus back to club duty after international disappointment.
Maybe he was really sad about that he cannot play in the World Cup this year. But at the end, it’s a part of life… now he’s focused on us.
That professionalism will be vital as Barcelona push on in both domestic and European competition.
Flick also took time to praise the wider Barcelona project, especially after watching the women’s team and reflecting on the strength of La Masia.
I appreciate a lot what I saw there. I think it’s another level,
he said, before adding:
La Masia, this philosophy for me is fantastic.
Watch video below;
Softfootball reported that His admiration for the club’s structure and identity was obvious, and it ties directly into the resilience Barcelona have shown in recent weeks.
The Catalans recently escaped a scare to go seven points clear after a narrow1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano, and they also made a huge European statement by thrashing Newcastle 7-2 to reach the Champions League quarterfinals. Those results have only reinforced the sense that this team, even with injuries and pressure mounting, is still alive on every front.
