Hansi Flick on coaching Messi: “Why not?”

Hansi Flick reviewed the current situation at Barcelona and analysed the match against Athletic. The coach explained that Rashford has a fever and his presence tomorrow is in doubt. Joan Garcia, on the other hand, will be a starter and Lamine Yamal is fine with his pubalgia. The coach also admitted that they are looking forward to returning to the Spotify Camp Nou. Pedri, for his part, is not clear whether he will return against Chelsea or Alaves

Return to the Spotify Camp Nou against Athletic Club

“We are all delighted to be back at our stadium. The opponent is obviously very good. It is a team that plays in the Champions League, with a lot of quality. It is a very good opportunity to measure our current situation.”

Is Lamine Yamal 100% fit?

“I think so. He has been working very hard and I am very happy. He has been managing the situation well.”

Raphinha and Rashford

“Marcus has a fever. He couldn’t train yesterday or today. I have doubts for tomorrow. The good news is that Raphinha is back and I appreciate what he brings to the team. Good step forward for him. He will start on the bench.”

Marcus has a fever and could not train yesterday or today; I have doubts for tomorrow

Hansi Flick

Selection

“You know that Lamine is our player and we care about him. The national team also takes care of the players and it was the right decision. He works hard and is very disciplined, he is aware of the injury. It is important that he knows how to manage all this and he has done very well.”

National team – Barca

“Things are the way they are. Now we focus on the next four weeks. There are nine games left with a lot of points at stake and we have to focus on that. We must not think about other things or the noise around us.”

We prefer to play at the Camp Nou

Hansi Flick

Return to Camp Nou

“We prefer to play at the Estadi Olimpic. I already commented, when we did the training session, when I went up the stairs and reached the pitch, the sensations were incredible. It is a football stadium, which we love and we are happy. We will have to see also. I hope it gives us that advantage because of the closeness of the fans. It’s fantastic to see and feel. There is a very good connection between team and fans.”

Sleeping leaders

“We go game by game, that’s what we want. There’s still a long way to go until the end of May and, as we did last season, we must never have any doubts about what we want to do, play, achieve our objectives… we’re still on the same path. We know that Real Madrid are a great rival, but there are others like Villarreal and Athletic… they are fantastic teams. We have to look at ourselves and give our best performance.”

Pedri

“I don’t know if he’ll be ready for Tuesday. We’re taking it step by step. We’re not going to put pressure on him, but we’re happy with his progress. Obviously he’ll be back soon but I don’t know if it’s against Chelsea or the next game.”

Pedri will be back soon but I don’t know if it will be against Chelsea or the next game

Hansi Flick

Joan Garcia

“Yes, of course. You’re right.”

Coaching Leo Messi

“Why not? Messi is the best player of the last 10 years. I have always enjoyed watching him play. His contract ends in 2028 and mine in 2027 (laughs). It doesn’t depend on me.”

De Jong’s absence

“We have been working on it. We know how we want to replace him. You’ll see tomorrow. The same thing happens with De Jong as with Pedri, they are great players and give us confidence with the ball but we cannot have them.”

Honorary kick-off

“I have no idea. Maybe Gavi… (laughs)”