Flick talks Lamine, Kounde, Inigo, Olmo, Balde, Inter Milan forward of Barcelona vs Celta Vigo
Following their first defeat of 2025, FC Barcelona can be desirous to bounce again to successful methods once they tackle Celta Vigo in La Liga on Saturday.
The Blaugrana suffered a 3-1 defeat within the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg vs Borussia Dortmund, though they had been capable of safe a spot within the semi-final with a 5-3 combination victory.
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Now, the main target shifts again to La Liga the place Hansi Flick & co. will need to prolong their lead on the prime of the desk to seven factors with a win over Celta, and put second-placed Actual Madrid beneath stress.
Forward of the competition in opposition to the Galician outfit, supervisor Flick addressed the media at present in his pre-match press convention, speaking about how Barcelona will method the sport.
“I feel the essential factor is that Celta have a transparent type and for us, it’s essential that we present our strengths. We talked about that this morning and about what we are able to enhance and what we did improper in Dortmund,” stated the German head coach.
The Barça gaffer then hit out on the fixture scheduling contemplating the little relaxation that his gamers are getting in between video games.
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“Have you learnt what number of video games we’ve got performed in the previous couple of weeks? We’re not going to complain, however this solely occurs right here. In all leagues, gamers are protected,” he said.
“I want to have a chat with the folks accountable for them. Perhaps we’re not at our greatest in the meanwhile.”
Speaking concerning the fatigue suffered by gamers, he additional famous: “We’re very drained, however we’ve got tried to handle it nicely. We’re very younger. When a recreation is about to begin you must give 100 per cent, your finest model.
“That’s how I see it. It’s apparent that somebody may really feel drained, however they’ll ask for a change. That’s the perspective I would like.
“Ultimately, you must have a look at your self within the mirror and be sincere with your self. I’m pleased with my gamers as a result of they provide all the things. Unbelievable gamers and a spectacular membership.”
Offering an replace on the health of Jules Kounde, who has performed each recreation this season, Flick said:
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“The issue with Kounde is that if someday we do half-hour much less coaching he goes operating off to Sitges. He’s an unimaginable participant and he’s at his bodily peak. I speak to them and they’re sincere about how they’re bodily.
“You may also see it within the knowledge we’ve got. However I would like them to be sincere with me and Kounde tells me he’s fantastic.”
Praising Lamine Yamal and highlighting his significance to the workforce, the supervisor added:
“Everybody is aware of that Lamine, at 17, is a genius. He has plenty of stress on his again and we want him on the pitch, however provided that he’s at his finest. If we see him nicely and the info and he tells us he’s nicely he’ll play, like everybody else.”
Flick was stuffed with reward for Lamine Yamal. (Picture by Pedro Salado/Getty Photos)
On how essential Inigo Martinez is to the facet, he remarked: “For me it is vitally essential that there are gamers – coaches on the pitch who speak and organise the workforce. He sees all the things and might handle it from the again.
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“I’ve stated it earlier than, I’m very pleased with him, I respect his professionalism and he’s an undisputed chief.”
Speaking about Dani Olmo and whether or not he is able to begin, Flick stated: “He’s prepared, however we’ll see tomorrow. Fermín did very nicely too, however we’ll see.”
On whether or not the defeat in opposition to Dortmund was a wake-up name for him and his workforce, Flick added:
“We weren’t good in Dortmund however I’m pleased with the gamers. After we began the pre-season if somebody had instructed us that on 18 April we had an opportunity to win the treble, we’d have all signed it. Ultimately, we solely misplaced one recreation.
“Now we have to be constructive, we’re conscious of what we’re doing and the workforce is aware of what it has to do tomorrow.”
With Barcelona now set to face Inter Milan within the UEFA Champions League semi-final, Flick praised the Italian giants and highlighted Benjamin Pavard as certainly one of his favorite gamers.
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“They’re very clear about all the things and so they play very nicely. I like their recreation. I really like Pavard, he was a participant of mine and I might like to see him once more. It’s a unbelievable workforce with an ideal coach,” stated the Barcelona boss.
The supervisor additional mentioned the fixture overload, saying: “I don’t need to make excuses or complain. I’m completely happy within the sense that we don’t play on Sunday at 2 pm in opposition to Valladolid, that’s fantastic by me. However why can’t we play at 6 pm?
“I’d prefer to see the man who organises the schedules, as a result of it’s a joke. If we’re profitable in Europe the Spanish League will profit.
“I’m speechless as a result of it’s untenable. Each federation cares about their groups. They don’t care about relaxation and gamers going to mattress at 5 o’clock within the morning.”
The Barça head coach additionally spoke extremely about Celta Vigo head coach Claudio Giraldez, saying:
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“I’ve absolute respect for his work. He has a really clear and engaging concept. He performs in assault and it’s good to see. It has nothing to do together with his age. He skilled and developed within the decrease classes of the membership. I’ve plenty of work for him and his work.”
Concluding, Flick supplied an replace on Alejandro Balde’s health and whether or not he can return in time for the Copa del Rey last, saying:
“We’ll must see the way it progresses on a day-to-day foundation. I’m undecided. We’ll have to attend and see.”
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