“Every game is tough.” That was how Hansi Flick opened his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s Villarreal v Barça clash at the Estadio de la Cerámica (4:15pm CET). The German coach repeatedly stressed that the side coached by Marcelino García Toral “are a very strong team, with plenty of quality and a direct style of play.” The Barça boss also took the opportunity to praise his opposite number: “They’re doing a great job.”

Pedri out

The main piece of bad news on the eve of the game is that Pedri will not be available, as Flick confirmed. “He has a quadriceps issue. Maybe he could play on Sunday, but it would be too much of a risk. We have to look after him. He’s training and receiving treatment. We don’t want to take risks. We’ll need him later on.”

Lewandowski back

Despite that setback, Flick expressed full confidence in his squad: “Everyone is ready, with the right attitude and eager to play. I believe in the quality of my team.” There was also good news regarding Robert Lewandowski, who will be available against the Yellow Submarine after missing the last two matches. “He’s fine, ready to play, and an option for tomorrow. We didn’t want to take any risks and now he’s available. That’s good news.”

Happy 2025

The Barça coach was also asked about 2025, his first full calendar year at FC Barcelona. Flick was clear: “Being head coach for a year and a half, especially here at Barça, is a long time. I’m very happy to be at the club. The president is the reason I’m here, and I’m really pleased because it’s very important to have his trust and the trust of the whole club."

"I think my coaching staff and everyone around the team can feel that, and it’s great to see. We’ll see what happens next year with the elections, but I can say that for me it would be fantastic to stay for another year and a half. These things are also influenced by the president, and for me it’s important to have him as president. I love working for this club."

He also set his sights on the future: “We want to give everything and achieve more success next year as well. We have big objectives this season.”

On Raphinha

Finally, speaking of his own accord, Flick gave his view on Raphinha being left out of FIFA’s World Best XI. “It’s not fair on him" he said. "I can’t believe he’s not in the world’s best XI. After last season, he deserves it. Not just for his goals and assists, but for his influence on the team. He was incredible.”

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