Hansi Flick: 'We have to fight'
La Liga is back with a bang, bringing a Catalan derby between FC Barcelona and Girona, with the home side looking to bounce back from their last defeat and stay on Real Madrid’s tail.
“We have to start the game well, differently from how we did in Seville" said coach Hansi Flick at Friday's pre-match press conference. "I want to see a change. We have to fight."
Lamine and Fermin
Few questions focused on Saturday’s opponents, as much of the attention centred on Barça’s injury problems, which are forcing Flick to juggle his options. “We have to find solutions and manage the situation, that’s our job,” said the German coach, noting that La Masia could provide answers: “The academy players may get their chance, as well as those who haven’t had many minutes so far.”
He also commented on the condition of Lamine Yamal and Fermín López: “They’re back, but they can’t yet play the full 90 minutes.”
Injury problems
Two key players in Barça’s usual line-up, Raphinha and Lewandowski, were also the focus of questions. On the Brazilian, he said: “He’s on the right track. We hope he’ll be ready for El Clásico.”
And on his Polish striker, he added, “I don’t think there’s another player who takes better care of his body than Lewy. At his age, nobody is in such great shape. So, it’s not good news, but we have to deal with it.”
The Barça boss downplayed the impact of the injuries, insisting that the team must start strongly and deliver for the fans: “We have to be at our highest level and play our best football. We need to show attitude on the pitch. We’re FC Barcelona, and our supporters want to see us fight for every ball.”
He concluded with a strong note of optimism: “This October break could be good for us. We have a run of games coming up, and I’ve told the players we have to fight for every title. Playing our best football to win. That’s what I want from this team.”