FC Barcelona head into Saturday’s clash with Betis looking to maintain their good form and pick up three vital points to stay top of the table.

In his pre-match press conference, Hansi Flick said that “Betis have a fantastic team with players of great quality. We have to do the same as we did against Atlético. It was a great win and it gives us more confidence, but we have to show it again tomorrow ... We’ve taken a step forward and shown that when we are well connected and play as a team, everything works.”

Squad news

Flick was speaking just moments after the announcement that Eric Garcia will be signing a five-year extension on his contract. “At the level he’s at, he’s fantastic" said the coach. "He knows this club very well and he deserves a new contract. He’s very important in the dressing room and could be a captain in the future; he gives everything for this club ... He’s disciplined, looks after his teammates, and is a professional wherever he plays, at full-back, centre-back, or coming off the bench.”

Flick also confirmed that Fermín “will be able to play, but I don’t know if from the start ... He’ll definitely get minutes.”

He also spoke about Dani Olmo, underlining his importance and noting that the obstacles that arise during the season have to be accepted and managed, and had positive words for Raphinha, commenting that “he’s very important and starts the pressing with and without the ball. Having him available is fantastic.”

On Gerard Martin, Flick responded that “he’s disciplined in both defence and attack, and being left-footed gives us options from the back.”

Flick also provided an update on Gavi: “He’s doing well. He’s disciplined and will come back stronger.”

And he offered special praise for the development of Lamine Yamal: “He has improved enormously in attack and defence. He always wants to beat his man, he wants more, and despite being fouled constantly he keeps going. I love his spirit.”

Competitive mentality

Flick concluded with reflections on group management and internal competition: “Only eleven can start and sometimes they’re not happy, but when they’re frustrated they don’t give 100% ... I tell the players that this is the best moment of their lives, enjoying and playing with their teammates.”

“Against Atlético, those who came on from the bench gave it everything. That’s what we’re looking for.”

 

Força Barça