Hansi Flick: 'We have the quality to win the derby'

A derby is always intense, and the clash between Espanyol and FC Barcelona that will usher in 2026 is no exception. However, Hansi Flick is keen to tone down the tension surrounding a match full of talking points. Joan Garcia’s return to the RCDE Stadium, a meeting between two sides in good form, and the presence of Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo or Ronald Araujo on the pitch dominated the questions at the pre-match press conference ahead of this intriguing encounter.

Good form

Right from the first question, the German coach was full of praise for Espanyol: “I’d like to congratulate Manolo" he said. "He’s doing an incredible job. It’s a team that presses very well and makes excellent transitions. They’ve won five games in a row. We’ll have to play at our highest level, stay calm and play our best football. We have enough quality to take the win.”

“We have to keep training with intensity, commitment and focus. We have a lot of potential, but also room to keep developing it. But if I had to ask for one new year wish, it would be to avoid injuries.

Hansi Flick was clearly keen to reduce the tension around the fixture. “Every set of fans should support their own team" he opined. "Respect in football is the most important thing and I hope everyone behaves properly.”

Key names

But there is no escaping the hubbub around Joan Garcia, who will face his former club for the first time. “He has great confidence in himself and believes in his strengths" was all Flick would say on the matter. "He’ll show that on the pitch. He’s our number one.”

Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal were the other players most asked about, to which he replied: “Both are ready for the derby.”

As for Ronald Araujo, Flick said: "He is doing well. Physically he’s not at 100%, but he’s back and he’s important for us.”

Hansi Flick himself was also asked about his journey on the Barcelona bench. “I’ve learned a lot over this year and a half" he said. "I love Barcelona’s mentality. I love living here, I have a fantastic staff. The players are phenomenal. All the employees help us a lot. We want to give our best to our fans. I love being at FC Barcelona and I’ll give my all.”

More news here