
Flick: Proud of My Team, Gavi Capable of Overcoming the Toughest Challenges
The German Hans Flick, head coach of Barcelona, held a press conference before his team's match against Real Oviedo in La Liga, where he addressed several issues concerning the players and the team.
Regarding Koundé and his position in defense, Flick said: "He plays on the left side because he is very good there, and although he is more comfortable on the right side, I am happy to see him improving on the left as well; he is performing well."
On the Ballon d'Or ceremony and his team Barcelona, he clarified: "Honestly, it's not something I enjoy, but it's part of my job and important for the team, which is why I travel. I don't like the idea of important or influential people, but what I can say is that I am very proud of my team."
Regarding playing without Lamine, Flick emphasized: "I don't think about the absentees, but rather the available options. I trust all the players, and with any 11 players, we can win."
On changes in the lineup, he added: "Last year we had many injuries, and this year as well with Fermín, Lamine, and Balde. Playing every two or three days requires making changes, and I trust every player because their level is good."
Concerning Camp Nou, he said: "I haven't followed the renovation work recently; I saw it when I arrived. Our style of play will not change; we want to control, press, and play with confidence, whether at Camp Nou or any other stadium."
About Frenkie de Jong, Flick commented: "I have never felt that he is being criticized; I believe every fan sees how important he is. For me, it's great to have him in the team; he is a very important player, and I talk to him a lot."
Regarding Bernal, he clarified: "He will participate when we see the time is right; he performs well in training, but we chose other options against Newcastle and Getafe."
On Gavi, he said: "It's not easy for a young player to receive such news; I talked to him, and he was surprised, but he is very professional. With his second injury, he needs discipline and to regain his rhythm; it's not easy, but if anyone can overcome it, it's Gavi."
On Balde's return, he clarified: "He will not participate in this match; we will see his development and if he is ready for the weekend. We won't take risks with him, and when we get the green light, he will play some minutes."
About Real Madrid and the competition for the league, he replied: "I don't know; we are focusing on ourselves and what we can do; that is the most important thing for us."
Regarding Pedri, he said: "He is at an amazing level, just like Frenkie; I am very happy with what I see in training."
On Lamine, he added: "I spoke with him, and he is motivated for the upcoming years; he accepted the situation with a sportsmanlike spirit, and he will surely have a chance to win it later. Having several players nominated is a sign that we are on the right track."
Regarding Gavi again, he emphasized: "We need to take care of him step by step; he is a player with a very big heart and lives for this club. It's not easy for the team, but we will support him until he returns to his best level."
In speaking about the match against Oviedo, Flick concluded: "They are a very brave team and play with advanced defense; the most important thing for me is the team. We have done well in recent matches, and we are in a good moment and confident."
Regarding Koundé and his position in defense, Flick said: "He plays on the left side because he is very good there, and although he is more comfortable on the right side, I am happy to see him improving on the left as well; he is performing well."
On the Ballon d'Or ceremony and his team Barcelona, he clarified: "Honestly, it's not something I enjoy, but it's part of my job and important for the team, which is why I travel. I don't like the idea of important or influential people, but what I can say is that I am very proud of my team."
Regarding playing without Lamine, Flick emphasized: "I don't think about the absentees, but rather the available options. I trust all the players, and with any 11 players, we can win."
On changes in the lineup, he added: "Last year we had many injuries, and this year as well with Fermín, Lamine, and Balde. Playing every two or three days requires making changes, and I trust every player because their level is good."
Concerning Camp Nou, he said: "I haven't followed the renovation work recently; I saw it when I arrived. Our style of play will not change; we want to control, press, and play with confidence, whether at Camp Nou or any other stadium."
About Frenkie de Jong, Flick commented: "I have never felt that he is being criticized; I believe every fan sees how important he is. For me, it's great to have him in the team; he is a very important player, and I talk to him a lot."
Regarding Bernal, he clarified: "He will participate when we see the time is right; he performs well in training, but we chose other options against Newcastle and Getafe."
On Gavi, he said: "It's not easy for a young player to receive such news; I talked to him, and he was surprised, but he is very professional. With his second injury, he needs discipline and to regain his rhythm; it's not easy, but if anyone can overcome it, it's Gavi."
On Balde's return, he clarified: "He will not participate in this match; we will see his development and if he is ready for the weekend. We won't take risks with him, and when we get the green light, he will play some minutes."
About Real Madrid and the competition for the league, he replied: "I don't know; we are focusing on ourselves and what we can do; that is the most important thing for us."
Regarding Pedri, he said: "He is at an amazing level, just like Frenkie; I am very happy with what I see in training."
On Lamine, he added: "I spoke with him, and he is motivated for the upcoming years; he accepted the situation with a sportsmanlike spirit, and he will surely have a chance to win it later. Having several players nominated is a sign that we are on the right track."
Regarding Gavi again, he emphasized: "We need to take care of him step by step; he is a player with a very big heart and lives for this club. It's not easy for the team, but we will support him until he returns to his best level."
In speaking about the match against Oviedo, Flick concluded: "They are a very brave team and play with advanced defense; the most important thing for me is the team. We have done well in recent matches, and we are in a good moment and confident."