FC Barcelona are again in motion within the UEFA Champions League this week as they lock horns with Olympiacos on Matchday 3 of the league section.
Having suffered a defeat to PSG within the earlier matchday, the Blaugrana can be gunning to bounce again strongly and safe all three factors at Montjuic on Tuesday evening.
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Nevertheless, the performances of the staff since that PSG sport have been removed from inspiring – shedding to Sevilla and nearly scraping a win over Girona.
Hansi Flick, thus, has a lot to consider heading into tomorrow’s contest, particularly with El Clasico looming on the weekend.
Chatting with the media forward of tomorrow’s sport in Montjuic, the Barcelona supervisor acknowledged the attacking menace that Olympiacos possess.
“They’ve assault, the statistics say they’re the most effective groups in assault. You solely have to have a look at the match in opposition to Arsenal, the place they’d loads of probabilities,” stated Flick.
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“We now have to be alert to those conditions, they’ve good gamers and a sport plan, we’ve to watch out with them.”
On the staff scenario
Speaking concerning the staff dynamics and morale heading into the match, the German tactician remarked:
“For the time being, we’re in a sophisticated scenario, and I’m blissful to have gotten the three factors in opposition to Girona. It was crucial and you possibly can see that within the ambiance in coaching; it’s good to see that, it’s what we want.”
“We now have a younger staff and it wants that. Once we analysed the match in opposition to Girona, we talked about positioning, about preserving the fitting distance from the opposition, and if you happen to’re distant from that, it’s important to run extra,” he added.
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“That’s what we’ve to enhance: we’ve to seek out higher positioning and, from there, press.”
On particular person gamers
Flick additionally confirmed that and acknowledged that he hopes to have them prepared for El Clasico.
“We hope he [Ferran] can play in El Clasico, even Raphinha. That’s what we’re hoping for,” stated the Barcelona head coach.
Persevering with, he added: “Ultimately, when he got here again from worldwide responsibility, we noticed that the scenario was a bit tough, not a lot, however we’ve to minimise dangers, and taking part in him tomorrow could be a danger.
“On Thursday we’ll do extra exams and see how he progresses. The scenario is about taking care of the gamers, it’s tough, however afterward everybody can be again and we’ll have a brand new scenario.”
Flick hopes Ferran, Raphinha can return for El Clasico. (Photograph by Alex Caparros/Getty Photos)
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Flick additionally offered an replace on the scenario of Marc Bernal, who has been used sparingly since his return from harm final month.
“As I stated, we’ve to deal with him. We’re not satisfied he’s 100% able to play these matches; they’re all the time very robust video games, and looking out on the matches in opposition to Sevilla and others, it’s not one of the best time for him to return to play,” he stated.
“We’ll discover matches for him to come back again in, and he additionally has to maintain bettering in coaching. He’s not at his finest for the massive video games, we’ve to assist him enhance.”
Discussing the potential for Roony Bardghji being included within the beginning lineup for tomorrow’s match, Flick remarked:
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“We are able to additionally take into consideration him taking part in as a striker or attacking midfielder, whether or not he’s on the bench or within the beginning line-up.
“We take into consideration the beginning eleven, but in addition about who will end the sport, and we talk about which choices are finest. For the time being, it’s not straightforward to resolve.”
The supervisor additionally highlighted Marcus Rashford and the flexibility he brings to the desk, saying:
“Rashford is an effective possibility as a quantity 9, however he may also play as a quantity 11. That’s what we thought after we signed him: he can play as a quantity 9 or a quantity 11, and it’s nice to have him in our staff.
“He has improved quite a bit in current weeks, he brings loads of positives to the staff and, after all, he can play as a quantity 9.”
Concerning Raphinha and his absence, Flick remarked: “I miss Raphinha as a result of he was crucial for us final season. Enjoying at that degree is superb for us and, after all, I miss him.”
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On his private scenario
Flick was seen extremely animated on the touchline throughout the sport in opposition to Girona, and his celebrations after Ronald Araujo’s match-winning aim have been a sight to behold.
The German tactician, identified for his calm manner, elaborated on how being at Barcelona had modified his persona, saying:
“I’m no more nervous, perhaps my feelings aren’t the identical as earlier than. I keep in mind after I was teaching Bayern Munich, there have been photographs of after we received 8-2 in opposition to Barça, I by no means smiled with the eight targets.
“Now I’ve extra feelings; this membership has utterly modified me. What I can say is that I really like this membership, I really like Barcelona, I really like the individuals right here, it’s unbelievable, and I give my all for this membership. I reside for the membership.”
Nevertheless, he added: “These items, after I see myself on TV, I don’t like them, to be trustworthy, and I don’t like my grandson seeing me like that, so perhaps I’ve to alter my behaviour.”
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Concerning his crimson card in opposition to Girona and whether or not he can be on the touchline in opposition to Actual Madrid (with Barça interesting his sending off), Flick stated:
“For me, there’s work to be finished after this match as a result of now it’s time for the Champions League. We are able to speak about it on Saturday or after Olympiacos.
“I stated it after the match in opposition to Girona: there was nothing in opposition to the referee and he determined to see it in a different way, and that’s one thing I’ve to simply accept.”
On whether or not he felt referees in Spain favoured Actual Madrid extra, he stated: “What can I say? (laughs) I’ve been right here for 16 months, you’ve been right here for much longer and know extra, I don’t wish to say something about it.”
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