Hansi Flick talks referees, Raphinha, Gavi, Pedri and more ahead of Girona clash
Barcelona face a critical match on Monday against local rivals Girona, with three points essential for the Catalan club. The pressure is on following a disappointing 4-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Copa Del Rey, a result that has prompted a strong response from coach Hansi Flick.
Flick Addresses Team Form and Upcoming Clash
Ahead of the Girona match, Hansi Flick emphasized the need for improvement. He stated, “We expect an organised opponent, well-positioned, who will try to play with courage. It’s important for us to find greater sharpness and dynamism compared to the last match.” Flick acknowledged the setback against Atletico Madrid but focused on a positive reaction from his players.
Flick reported a positive shift in training, noting, “The most important thing now is that today’s training was good. The dynamism and sharpness in training were there, and so was the confidence. We also scored goals.” He stressed the importance of learning from the loss and maintaining focus on the upcoming game.
Analyzing the Atletico Madrid Match
Flick characterized the match against Atletico Madrid as a learning experience, stating, “We lost Thursday’s match, and that was a lesson for us, but we will move forward. We have to accept the defeat and focus on the Girona match.” He further described the contest as being at a “Champions League-level,” highlighting Atletico Madrid’s preparedness and their superior dynamism in the first 45 minutes.
He added, “For me, Atlético were ready for the battle. It was a Champions League-level match. In the first 45 minutes, we didn’t have the right competitive mindset, especially in the duels. They were more dynamic.” Flick expressed confidence in his team’s ability to bounce back, emphasizing the importance of playing with confidence and presenting a strong competitive mindset.
Addressing Refereeing Concerns and Team News
Regarding the complaint filed with the RFEF, Flick maintained his focus on the team’s performance. He stated, “For me, what matters is seeing my team, because that’s my responsibility — to see what we can change in terms of mentality and style, and to play. I don’t concern myself with anything else.” He conceded that refereeing isn’t the sole reason for the loss to Atletico Madrid, but emphasized the need for continuous improvement from all parties involved.
Flick acknowledged that mistakes happen, stating, “There are things change. We are all human and we can all make mistakes. The most important thing is to keep improving, and that’s what I want to see from my team, from my coaching staff, and also from other parties like the referees.”
On the injury front, Marcus Rashford is confirmed to be unavailable for the Girona match. However, Raphinha is expected to feature after participating in normal training sessions. Flick praised Raphinha, stating, “We miss him when he’s not there, and we see in training how he elevates the team’s dynamism and the sharpness of the pace. And I’ve said it more than once: for me, he was the best player in the world last season.”
Updates on Pedri and Gavi were also provided, with Pedri likely to be ready and Gavi’s return anticipated in March.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Hansi Flick say about the atmosphere in the Barcelona dressing room?
Hansi Flick said the defeat to Atletico Madrid was a lesson for the team, but that training had been positive, with dynamism, sharpness, and confidence present.
Which player will miss the Girona match due to injury?
Marcus Rashford has been ruled out of the Girona match, though his condition is improving.
What did Flick say about Raphinha’s impact on the team?
Hansi Flick stated that they miss Raphinha when he is not playing and that he elevates the team’s dynamism, and sharpness. He also called Raphinha the best player in the world last season.
Will Barcelona be able to translate their improved training performance into a victory against Girona, and begin to address the concerns raised after their recent defeat?