Flick talks Garcia, Araujo, de Jong, Ansu, Cubarsi, Inigo, Ferran ahead of Barcelona vs Espanyol

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has officially ruled out Eric Garcia for the upcoming derby match against Espanyol, set for Sunday.

Garcia’s absence is a significant blow for Barcelona, as Flick confirmed that the defender will not be ready until after the upcoming international break.

The manager explained that Garcia is currently training separately from the main squad, a move aimed at his careful recovery and future readiness.

“I think he will return after the international break. We had to decide that he would train separately from the group,” the manager began by saying.

Thoughts on the derby

Flick acknowledged the intensity and importance of the derby, emphasising that the players need to be fully focused and play with maximum effort to secure a strong result.

“I know what this derby means. It will be a difficult match after a great week. It will be important to play at 100% and with intensity.”

The coach highlighted the need for concentration and high energy levels, especially given the significance of this local rivalry.

Though recent weeks have been positive for the team, Flick reminded his players to stay committed and not become complacent after their recent victories.

“We always prepare well, it’s good to celebrate but we have to concentrate. We concentrated a lot in the session, the road is long. We are doing well and we have to be focused,” he added.

Ronald Araujo’s recovery

On Ronald Araujo’s recovery, Flick spoke cautiously, noting that the club is not pushing him for a speedy return.

He praised Araujo’s recovery progress and training efforts but stressed that they’re prioritising his long-term health, as he’s coming back from a serious injury.

Araujo’s careful rehabilitation is a priority for Barcelona, and Flick indicated that the player will rejoin the team only when he’s fully ready.

“We are not putting pressure on him to return, he is doing well, and recovering well, but we do not have to put pressure on him. It was a serious injury and we have to take care of him. He is training hard.” 

Frenkie de Jong and Ansu Fati

Turning to Frenkie de Jong, Flick showed appreciation for the midfielder’s recent performances, especially his calming influence in the second half of the game against Real Madrid.

“I value very positively what I see with Frenkie. The second half against Madrid brought tranquillity.” 

Flick acknowledged that De Jong’s return after a prolonged injury has been positive, and he’s optimistic about how De Jong will reintegrate into the team. His presence in midfield is a welcome boost for Barcelona’s overall stability.

“He is a wonderful player for the team. The injury has been long and we will see how he adapts. It’s very positive that he’s back,” he said.

Regarding Ansu Fati, Flick expressed satisfaction with the forward’s recovery, noting that he is back to full fitness. However, Flick hinted that his starting position is not guaranteed, as he is still assessing the best line-up for the derby.

“You can say that I’m happy, he’s 100%, but I don’t know yet if he’ll be a starter.”

The defensive pair

Flick also mentioned his current defensive pairing of Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez, sharing that the consistency in their partnership has helped Barcelona’s preparations.

“It has helped me to have the same central defenders as Cubarsi and Inigo.”

He praised their efforts and energy, recognising that maintaining high levels through numerous matches can be challenging, but their recent form has been promising. 

“I have had a long week to prepare for the match. They have come back with energy. With so many matches together, it is not easy to maintain the level.”

In terms of overall squad availability, Flick emphasised the importance of having a fit roster, allowing him to manage player rotation effectively.

He values open communication with players about their roles and performance expectations, fostering an environment of honesty within the team.

“It is important for the club to have everyone available. When this happens, you have to manage it honestly. But there are no problems. I tell the players if they play or how they should play.”

Favourites for the league?

While discussing Barcelona’s journey towards the La Liga title, Flick remained grounded, pointing out that there’s a long season ahead.

“There is a long way to go, it is a very long road, I have said it before. The road to La Liga is very long and things can happen.”

He acknowledged the good momentum and morale within the squad, but he is keen on ensuring that the team remains focused and maintains their training intensity.

Flick expressed confidence that if Barcelona continues their disciplined approach, they will secure the strong fan support they need to succeed.

“We are in good dynamics, a good mood and it is the plan we have. 

“In today’s training, the team showed its quality and if we play the way we have trained, the fans will be very happy. The fans will be happy and will give us a lot of support,” he said.

Flick also addressed the devastating impact of the recent flooding in Valencia, acknowledging how it could affect the players emotionally, especially Ferran Torres, who hails from the affected region.

“I am not sure how it can affect the players. We have Ferran, who is from there. We have spoken about it with the team. It is not easy to decide what to do. We started seeing it yesterday.”

He noted that, while it is ultimately up to La Liga to decide on the next steps, the team stands in support of those affected and, if given a say, would potentially make accommodations in solidarity with those suffering in Spain.

“Something similar happened in Germany three years ago, it is horrible. If we can support it, we will. 

“The other thing is the decision of LaLiga. If I could make the decision, maybe I would have done it, maybe yes, because it is a tragedy for all of Spain,” he concluded.

Source: Mundo Deportivo