Flick talks Pedri, Araujo, Christensen, Victor, Deco, goalkeeping situation ahead of Barcelona vs Valencia

Barcelona will be itching to return to winning ways in La Liga when they lock horns with Valencia on Sunday night.

The Blaugrana find themselves seven points behind arch-rivals and league leaders Real Madrid, following the controversial 1-1 draw against Getafe last weekend.

With Atletico Madrid also ahead of them in the table, it is important that the Catalans get things back in order as far as their La Liga campaign is concerned.

Ahead of the game on Sunday at the Montjuic Stadium, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick addressed the media, answering various questions regarding the team and their current form in La Liga, among others.

Talking about what kind of match they can expect against Valencia, the German tactician stated: “We are well prepared for a more solid opponent in defence. It will be a tough game for us. It won’t be easy.”

Soon after, Flick was asked if he would be going with Inaki Pena or Wojciech Szczesny in goal, with the latter having featured earlier this week against Benfica in the UEFA Champions League.

The manager, however, refused to comment, saying: “We will wait until tomorrow.”

When probed again about the goalkeeping situation, Flick reiterated: “The same answer. I decided not to talk about the line-up. My apologies.”

The Barcelona head coach highlighted the form of Pedri in recent games, but hinted that there could be a rest on the cards for the midfielder, as he said:

“At the moment he is playing at 100% and very well. I’ve already said that we’ve changed the philosophy regarding Pedri. He will continue to play because he is doing better.

“He might not be there from the start. We need fresh legs to face Valencia. We’ll see. There are changes planned in the team.”

On being asked if he had something to say to Getafe manager Jose Bordalas, who fired a dig at him over the comments about their style of play, Flick stated: “I have nothing to add.”

About improving their recent form in La Liga, he added: “For me, it’s very important to win every game, we have to go out onto the pitch like that, how to approach the games.

“We have to manage the breaks, yes, but we’ll see. We have to win the home games, also for the fans.”

Later, he added: “In Getafe, it was our fault we didn’t win. We have to improve our concentration from the start to the end of the match. That’s what I want.”

Discussing the support he has been getting from his inner circle and entourage, Flick noted: “There are always many messages from my friends. I can’t answer them all, but I know they are happy.

“The most important thing is that the fans are happy, so I have to do my best. I have to thank the fans for their support, also in Lisbon. It was incredible. It’s a very young team and that helps me a lot to do what I think I need to do.”

Addressing the role of Andreas Christensen amid rumours about his future, the manager stated:

“Naturally, he spoke to Andreas. He came back from a serious injury and is doing very well in training, although there are players ahead of him. We know his quality and we’ll see what happens.”

On the role of Pau Victor and his lack of minutes so far, he added: “He played in Barça B and worked very well in pre-season but it’s not easy to give the minutes that each player requires. There is a plan but it’s not possible. He will have his chances.”

Barcelona announced the renewals of Ronald Araujo and Gerard Martin this week and are close to extending the contracts of Pedri and Gavi as well. Happy with the progress, Flick praised the work done by sporting director Deco, saying:

“The club and Deco’s work is great. They are looking for players but it is very important to work with what we have in the squad, I like the way Deco is doing it.”

Regarding Araujo and his performances since returning to fitness, Flick remarked: “I spoke a lot with Ronald and the important thing is that he is fit, that he gets better.

“I am focused on him and he will improve for sure. Bielsa will have a great centre-back under his orders in the Uruguayan national team.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo