Flick: 'Rayo will be tough'

Hansi Flick faced the media on Saturday ahead of Barça’s trip to Rayo Vallecano. The German coach acknowledged the challenge of playing in Vallecas but expressed confidence in his side’s strong start to the season and their ability to keep improving.

Brave opponent

Flick underlined the importance of beginning La Liga with back-to-back victories, while making it clear that the target is to keep building. “It’s been important to start with six points, but we want to win the third game,”
he said, before praising Sunday’s opponents: “Rayo and Iñigo are doing a great job. It will be a tough match against a team that is competing very well.”

Looking ahead to the challenge in Vallecas, the Barça boss laid out his plan. “We’ll try to play good football, very offensive football" he promised. "Every game is different and the intensity is always very high. We have to play with confidence, and we have players who can make the difference.”

Flick also emphasised the keys to victory: “We need to keep possession, but also make the most of the spaces.”

 

Gavi and Fermín

The coach provided an update on the squad’s fitness, particularly Gavi’s situation. The midfielder is unavailable for Sunday but could be back after the international break. “The plan is for him to be ready for Valencia" he explained. "We’ll see how he evolves.”

He also took time to highlight Fermín’s qualities: “He’s very aggressive, on the ball and off it. He’s excellent running into space beyond the back line and creates gaps. He scores goals and provides the final pass. Most importantly, he wants to be here and his heart is with Barça.”

Champions League draw

Alongside domestic matters, Flick also gave his view on Thursday’s Champions League draw: “For a team like Barça, the goal is to win the Champions League. It’s the best competition and this new chapter will be a lot of fun.”

The coach welcomed the variety and excitement of the upcoming European fixtures, saying, “there are great games ahead and each one is different, but we’re happy to be playing in it.”

Finally, Flick recalled last year’s run and set out his ambitions for this season: “Last year we played a fantastic semi-final, but this season we’ll give everything again.”

 

 

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