Flick talks Araujo, Ansu, Lamine, Pedri, Christensen, goalkeepers ahead of Getafe vs Barcelona

Barcelona will return to La Liga action for the first time in 2025 as they get set to take on Getafe on Saturday night away at Coliseum Alfonso Perez.

The Blaugrana have played four cup games in 2025, winning each of those with relative comfort, even lifting their first trophy of the season in the form of the Spanish Super Cup.

And the plan will be to translate that form and momentum into the league, where they are currently third in the table behind Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.

Ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Getafe, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick spoke to the press, discussing various topics including the selection dilemma with the goalkeeping position.

On the game vs Getafe

Kicking things off, the German tactician admitted that the away game against Getafe will be tricky, saying:

“What we know from the past is that it’s very difficult to score goals. We have talked about it with the team and we hope to achieve it.”

The previous match against Getafe, played in September last year, saw Barça struggle to score goals and ended in a narrow 1-0 victory.

“We talked about it in the meeting with the team. We have to focus on what we can do, that’s the most important thing,” said Flick, addressing that issue.

When asked about the style of football that Getafe play, the Barcelona head coach commented:

“I’m really focused on the Spanish league, because I like the style of the teams. They usually like to have the ball and it’s good to see that in La Liga. In every team, you can find special things.”

“When you control the match or the ball we don’t suffer, but when you make too many mistakes that’s what they want,” he continued.

“They know how to play with counterattacks and it’s not easy to defend like that. It’s always the same. We are one step ahead thanks to the last few games. Against Betis, we controlled the match and that’s what I want to see.”

Meanwhile, the Barcelona manager refused to comment on the penalty controversy from Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey clash vs Celta Vigo, saying:

“I saw it yesterday, but I have nothing to say.”

On players and team news

The future of Ronald Araujo at Barcelona has been a topic of much discussion and speculation in recent weeks, although earlier this week reports claimed that the Uruguayan will stay at the club despite Juventus’ interest.

On being asked about the defender’s situation, Flick said: “Already said it after the game against Betis. He has one and a half years left on his contract.

“He is important for the team and it would be good if he signed another contract. You see him in training that he is a leader.”

Regarding plans for any new signings in January, Flick did not address it directly, but confirmed that Andreas Christensen is back at his disposal again.

“I am very happy with the team and the players, we only have three injured. Inigo [Martinez] will be out for a short time. We have worked very well medically,” he said.

“Christensen is also back and that is good news. It’s Deco’s job, but I’m happy with the team.”

One of the major decisions for Flick for tomorrow’s game is the starting goalkeeper, with both Inaki Pena and Wojciech Szczesny impressing. When asked about the dilemma, he said:

“I haven’t spoken to De la Fuente [goalkeeping coach]. We will decide tomorrow.”

When asked if he will consider making rotations keeping in mind the UEFA Champions League match against Benfica next week, the Barcelona boss replied:

“For us, the most important match is the next one. We know we have matches in the next few weeks, but we are only looking at the next one. First we have to beat Getafe and then Benfica.”

Having left Ansu Fati out of the squad for three games in a row, Flick commented on the out-of-favour forward’s situation, opening the doors for an exit, as he said:

“It’s very important to be honest with the players. I have been honest with Ansu. We talked about several options and now it’s his decision. If he wants to stay, that’s fine, he’s a La Masia player.

“This is professional football and performance counts. My job is to help him improve and that’s what we want to do with all players. Ansu is very professional and always focused. I want to help him.”

When asked if Ansu would leave this month, Flick added: “Thinking about things that haven’t happened is not my style. I talked to him about the possibilities he has, but for the moment there is no need to think about it.”

The Barcelona manager also hailed midfielder Pedri but insisted that the team must manage his workload carefully, saying:

“He has played a lot of games and we have to be careful. It’s good to have him on the field because he’s a great player, but for his physique, it’s also good for him to start playing. We have changed his playing philosophy. He’s incredible and for us. he’s very important.”

There was also praise for La Masia sensation Lamine Yamal, with Flick saying: “For his age he is doing very well. The important thing is what he does on the field. He helps us. This is what we like to see from him.”

Source: BarçaOne