Flick talks Gavi, Lamine, Ansu, Lewandowski, Fermin, Ancelotti ahead of Barcelona vs Girona | OneFootball

Barcelona are set to be in action less than three days after their previous game as they take on Girona on Sunday afternoon at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

A 3-0 win over Osasuna on Thursday night has given Hansi Flick & co. a three-point lead over Real Madrid, although it could be erased as the reigning champions play Leganes later tonight.

The Blaugrana are yet to lose a single game in 2025 and will be eager to extend that streak on Sunday and keep the momentum going ahead of a crucial Copa del Rey semi-final clash against Atletico Madrid.

On the eve of the match, Flick spoke to the media discussing the team’s physical condition and their readiness given the quick turnaround between matches.

Regarding the game and physical levels

“We are doing very well. I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s game. They are all important, the 10 we have left. We have to fight for it and let’s see how it goes,” said the Barcelona manager, kicking things off.

Regarding the physical condition of the players, Flick added: “I think all the players can play. We will decide tomorrow, maybe one or two players will be rested. Everyone is available, it’s an optimal situation.”

About the lack of rest between the games, the head coach stated: “You never know, even when you have one or two days left to recover. It will be a big challenge and it will be like that until the end of the season.

“We want to fight until the end for everything we can. You can feel it in the team, we are very proud of how we beat Osasuna.

“The situation was not easy. Thursday was the birthday of Carles, our doctor, and we won for him. It was a good sign and I’m happy about that.”

On the fact that Barcelona will play six of their last ten games in the league at Montjuic and whether it gave them an advantage, Flick noted:

“There are also four away games and we don’t know what will happen. It’s our objective, to win every game, both at home and away. Ten games still and it’s very important to go game by game and then the rest of the season will get shorter.”

On the squad

Flick is happy with Gavi’s contributions. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Flick then spoke about midfielder Gavi, who started against Osasuna in the attacking third but ended up playing as a pivot alongside Pedri in the second period.

“The best position for him is as a 6, but he has the quality to play in different positions. We want to mix it up. What we did in the last game against Osasuna was to try it out,” the manager said.

“He pressed a lot, he was very good, I’m very happy with his performance at number 6. He showed he knows how to keep the ball, hold on to it, it was fantastic. He did very well in the second half,” he added.

Flick also commented on the situations of players like Ansu Fati, who has hardly been used this season, along with that of Pablo Torre and Pau Victor, saying:

“We have to see if it is possible. We need him and if he is required he will play. Ansu, we know what his situation is, it’s not easy.

“Pablo Torre, Pau Victor, they are training hard every day and every week. That’s what I want, that they are 100% and that they show us that they want to play. That’s all I can say.”

Responding to the speculations that Lamine Yamal could be rested tomorrow against Girona, Flick said:

“I think Lamine is very smart and he knows very well how to pace himself in the games. I spoke to him this morning, asked him how he feels and he is very positive. I always tell the players, if they feel something, they can talk to me, we’ll talk and that’s it.

“All the players understand the responsibility to their own body, if there is something strange. That’s how we want to proceed.

“From my own experience when I was a player, if you feel something and you don’t take care of yourself, anything can happen. That’s what I tell them. You have to take responsibility.”

The German head coach also praised the attitude and commitment of Fermin Lopez, as he said:

“‘It’s what I always say, all the players are vital. We have been able to see it in training, the level is very high. We want the player to give the best of himself. His attitude speaks for itself. He gets angry, he gets happy.

“Fermin is a born fighter, a great guy. Very passionate. That’s what we want, always with a smile but aware of what he’s doing. I can prove it match after match. I’m happy to have him, he’s fantastic.”

Regarding his decision to rotate between Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, he noted:

“For me, the situation, what we did against Osasuna, I spoke after the game with Ferran and Lewy and what I can tell you is that everyone is focused on the success of the team.

“Lewy is not only focused on being the top scorer, of course, he wants to play and score. But he understands what the team needs and I am proud of his behaviour. Everything is moving in the right direction. That’s how it was against Osasuna.”

On the Osasuna complaint

Osasuna have lodged an appeal against Barcelona. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

The German tactician also touched on the appeal lodged by Osasuna against Barça alleging that Inigo Martinez was ineligible to play on Thursday.

“I think all clubs go through the same thing. I can’t say anything about it, I don’t know. That’s the way things are, that’s the way it is. We have won three points and the rest is out of my hands,” he noted.

Continuing on the subject, Flick added: “I haven’t spoken to the club, I always focus on the next game. We always analyse the previous game, the opponent for the next game. We don’t have time to think about other things.

“We can only wait and if something changes, the club will communicate it. I have no information about it.”

Flick also spoke about how he is enjoying his time at Barcelona so far and why he feels proud of being the coach of this team, saying:

“Of course, what I can say is that from the beginning I am very happy to be here, with these players. You can see it. Everybody enjoys playing football and I love this. We are working in a very professional way, they are following our method.

“Seeing how each player is improving, how the team is moving forward. The ball possession. This helps us enormously, how we kept the ball against Osasuna. I’m very satisfied with all of that. We can do things better. Every day a step better, I’m happy.”

Explaining his comments earlier this week about Real Madrid and Ancelotti, and how he is proud that he is at Barcelona, he said:

“I can only say that I enjoy being Barça’s manager and that’s what I want to live and see. For me, I respect Real Madrid, of course, and also Ancelotti. He is a great person and one of the best coaches in the world. I never have negative thoughts for that club.

“I just say that we are Barça and we are different from them. La Masia, the atmosphere. Everyone is special here. I say it about the staff, the media, you have to include them all. We have to move forward in this way.

“That’s the way forward, the coach’s great challenge, to make the whole group united. And that’s why I’m happy here.”

Source: SPORT