Hansi Flick: 'A long season, we'll need everyone'
FC Barcelona roll into the second game of the league season still on the road, having opened their season with a win in Mallorca. This time, they face newly-promoted Levante at the Ciutat de València, a side that, according to Hansi Flick, “defend well, but are also very strong on the counter.”
Concerns after Mallorca
Speaking to the press ahead of Saturday’s clash, the German coach reiterated that this campaign will be no walk in the park: “It’s going to be a tough season, and we need everyone.”
After his post-match comments in Mallorca, where he criticised the team for playing “at 50%” after two red cards for the opposition, Flick expanded on his thoughts: “I’ve been a player, I know how these things happen. But what matters is that we need to improve, especially in games like that. We need to stick to the game plan, that’s what I want them to do. That’s what I told them after the Mallorca match. And they got the message.”
Lewandowski, Rashford, Lamine Yamal...
Flick also played down any concerns about starting the season with three away fixtures: “It’s not a problem" he insisted. "It’s not in our hands.”
On squad depth and player options, he had words of praise for Marc Casadó and Fermín López, while remaining hopeful of having Robert Lewandowski back from injury. “We have several options up front. Ferran’s coming off a goal, and we’ll see if Lewandowski is available.”
Among those options is Marcus Rashford, who Flick clearly rates highly: “He gives us more possibilities. I know he’s more comfortable playing as a winger, but with his strengths, he contributes a lot to our play. I’m confident we’ll see a great Marcus Rashford this season.”
As for Lamine Yamal and his new 'crown' celebration, the manager was unwavering in his support:
“I don’t care what people say about my team. He’s 18 and he’s a fantastic player. My job is to help him grow the right way. And what I see from his attitude here is very positive.”