Hansi Flick talks Gavi, Ansu, Yamal, Raphinha, Eric Garcia ahead of Girona vs Barcelona

Barcelona will be looking for their fifth straight win in the 2024/25 La Liga when they lock horns with Michel’s Girona on Sunday afternoon.

Currently occupying the top spot in La Liga with four wins from four matches, Hansi Flick & co. will be eager to carry that momentum forward as they return to action after the two-week hiatus due to the international break.

On the eve of the game, manager Flick spoke to the media in his customary pre-match press conference and provided updates about the fitness situation of players like Ansu Fati and Gavi while discussing several other topics.

On Girona

Kicking things off, Flick shared what kind of challenge Barcelona are expecting from Girona, as he said:

“It will be difficult because they play well, it will be a tough, high-level game, but we want to keep winning after winning the first four games. Everyone will have to give their best.”

Continuing, he added: “It’s a Champions League-level game. They did very well last season. But we know how we want to play and I hope we can do it.”

On how Barcelona plan on tackling Girona on the afternoon, the German tactician revealed: “We know that one of their strong points is possession, we will have to press well and defend as a team, occupy positions well and not get too far away from our opponents. It will be a great game.

“We are ready and hopefully we can show it tomorrow. My team also likes to have possession and if we can do that we have a chance of winning the game.”

Girona had gotten the better of Barcelona in both league games last season, but Flick insisted that they are not looking at what happened in the past.

“We don’t look back. Tomorrow is an important day. Girona do well with the ball, they are good. Our defensive performance must be one hundred per cent.

“It’s a Champions League-level game and we’re looking forward to it. It’s a good test ahead of Thursday’s game against Monaco.”

On the squad

It will be a special game for Eric Garcia as he returns to Montilivi, where he spent the last season on loan and made a big impression. And Flick hinted that the Spaniard could be in line to start against Girona, saying:

“From what I see in training, he is doing very well. We’re not sure about the starting line-up, but he might be in the XI.”

Ansu Fati and Gavi both made a return to group training this week, providing a major boost to Barcelona.

While Gavi’s return is still some way away, it was expected that Fati could be ready for tomorrow’s game but was left out of the squad list. Explaining, Flick said:

“We are happy to have him with us again. In the coming weeks, he will have a chance and that is good for the team.

“Gavi is also taking part in the training sessions. It’s good to have both of them. Yes, we put the focus on Ansu for Thursday.”

On the fitness levels of the players returning from international duty, Flick said: “They all want to play. They are ready to play and they like to play. I have no doubt about that.”

Earlier today, Girona manager Michel hailed Lamine Yamal as the most differential player in La Liga when it comes to 1v1 situations. Echoing his counterpart’s sentiments, Flick said:

“Michel is right, he is a very decisive player. Lamine is at a high level, but at his age he can improve and he has to improve. It’s great to see him every day, but he has to move forward.”

On whether the 17-year-old needs rest, he added: “Champions don’t rest. He has to work hard. If he wants to be a great champion he can’t rest too much. He has to go on and on.”

Flick also spoke about the red-hot form of Raphinha, stating that it had nothing to do with the coaching and more due to the player’s confidence and the general atmosphere.

“It has less to do with the coach than with the atmosphere in the club and in the dressing room, in the technical secretariat. Everything helps. He’s at his best. He plays a decisive role in every game.

“He is a brilliant player. I love his intensity in matches and in training. A player like him, when he gives his all, he spreads energy and positivity to the rest of the team.”

On Ballon d’Or, tactics

With the Ballon d’Or nominees being announced earlier this month, Hansi Flick was asked about his favourites for the award, but the Barcelona manager refused to answer, saying:

“That’s a good question… It’s not my job to give an opinion on this. There are fantastic footballers, of great quality, and it’s not for me to give my opinion. It’s not my job, I insist.”

In four matches so far this season, Barcelona have scored 13 goals. When asked about a coach’s role in motivating the team to score more, Flick replied:

“It has to do with the players’ confidence, with their passion, with the team’s idea of playing football. It’s our idea: to press the opposition and if we have a chance to score, to try to do so.

“It’s an idea of the game, a goal, an objective. To generate chances, to win the ball back when we lose it. But every game is different. I think the players feel doubly motivated when they play in front of their home fans.”

Finally, when asked if he plans to make rotations keeping in mind the Champions League game next week, Flick replied:

“I’m not thinking about Thursday. I’m focused on tomorrow’s game. My energy is on the match against Girona.”

Source: SPORT