Hansi Flick has lifted the veil on Barcelona’s recent struggles, quelling doubts about the team’s physical condition ahead of a pivotal UEFA Champions League clash against Brest.
Speaking to the media, Flick tackled the pressing issues faced by his youthful squad, which boasts one of the youngest line-ups in La Liga. He made it clear that steering a young team comes with distinct hurdles, particularly in the heat of competition.
“We are one of the youngest teams in the league, and our approach is to maintain an attacking style. When faced with a 2-0 deficit, especially when down to ten men, we must adapt our game accordingly,” he remarked.
Despite the recent rough patches, Flick reiterated the squad’s commitment to learning and evolving. He pointed out the fierce nature of La Liga fixtures, especially the electrifying environment felt in their last outings.
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“La Liga presents numerous challenges, and the atmosphere engulfs you, especially in a place like Vigo. While these aspects are tough, they are not excuses. We press on and look to improve,” Flick stated.
With Barcelona wrestling with inconsistencies since the celebrated El Clasico triumph, Flick reminded everyone that the team remains a work in progress. Although the talent within the squad is clear, he acknowledged the need for a more stable performance on the pitch.
“We’ve encountered various challenges throughout the season and must learn from them. The caliber of our squad is significant, and we have to showcase that on the field,” he asserted.
Flick is optimistic that his players are absorbing lessons from their experiences and are eager to rise to the occasion in forthcoming matches, including the encounter with Brest.
“Tomorrow, we strive to demonstrate our development. This squad is undergoing a process, as is typical in football. We’re at a stage in La Liga that isn’t exactly ideal for us,” he commented.
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Turning his attention to team cohesion, Flick expressed the need for better synchronization during both defensive and offensive phases of play.
“Our level is comparable to what it was a few months back. We need to improve our ball security and transitions,” he added.
He stressed that every player must contribute to ensuring a solid defense while also bolstering the attack, highlighting the importance of cohesiveness throughout the team.
Flick acknowledged that top-tier opponents excel at handling pressure, a skill Barcelona must refine.
“Improvement is essential, and that’s standard. We must instill confidence in our younger players and foster a positive atmosphere. Our young team shows promise, though we need to reflect that in our results on the pitch,” he explained.
He also confirmed concerns regarding Alejandro Balde’s fitness, revealing that the defender is battling muscle issues and will be sidelined against Brest, though he remains hopeful for Balde’s return in future matches.
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“Balde has been managing some muscle strains, so we decided to let him rest. He feels better today, and I anticipate he will be an option for subsequent fixtures, but not for the game tomorrow,” Flick stated.
On Lamine Yamal, Flick shared positive news, indicating that the young talent is on the cusp of a return and might make a cameo appearance off the bench this Saturday.
“Yamal possesses a wealth of talent that enhances our attacking dynamics. I believe this could be the final match he misses, and he should be available from the bench on Saturday,” he indicated.
As Barcelona gears up to face Brest in the Champions League, Flick’s focus squarely rests on cultivating a cohesive unit capable of navigating the rigors of both domestic and European competitions.
