Flick: Yamal Improves Day by Day, and This Is the Position of Fermin and De Jong
At a press conference before the Barcelona match against Real Betis at La Cartuja stadium as part of the Spanish League competitions, Hans Flick, the Catalan team's coach, spoke about several technical and administrative aspects of the team and its preparations for the upcoming match.
Regarding Lamine's defensive and offensive role, Flick said: "We always talk about players in both offensive and defensive roles. Against Atletico, Lamine's pressing helped the team a lot. He has improved greatly in defense as well as in attack. The level he shows is wonderful, I am happy to see him. He is a player who always wants to improve and aims to surpass the next opponent. Sometimes it is difficult, but Lamine continues, and he must make the right decisions and trust himself to contribute to the team."
Regarding De Jong’s readiness to play as a starter, Flick clarified: "I don’t know if he will start from the beginning, but he might play tomorrow."
About the team’s cohesion after facing Atletico, Flick pointed out: "Against Atletico, the team regained its best moments, and I also liked what I saw after the match."
Regarding Gavi’s condition after injury, Flick confirmed: "Gavi is fine, he celebrated the win with us on Tuesday, he is recovering well, and I am sure he will come back stronger than before."
On the challenges and responsibilities in the coaching profession, Flick said: "This is a job. As a coach, only eleven players can start from the beginning, but responsibility is linked to players' behavior. When a player feels frustrated, he cannot always give 100%, and this must be accepted. Not every player can always play, and this is what I explain to the players. Enjoy playing with your teammates; this is the nature of things at a club like Barcelona. Some players may not be happy, but they have to give everything for the team."
Regarding Gerard Martin’s position as a center-back or full-back, Flick clarified: "He plays well, his position is clear, disciplined both defensively and offensively, he does everything excellently, and this is what we expect from him."
About the renewal of Eric Garcia’s contract and his performance, Flick said: "Since the beginning of the season, we have seen his potential. At first, he suffered from injuries, but he is a very professional player who deserves the renewal. This is good news for everyone."
Regarding the importance of Rafinha in the team, Flick explained: "Our relationship is good, Rafa is a very important player. He initiates the pressing dynamics whether with the ball or without it. His presence in the team is wonderful for me."
On the team’s reaction after the loss against Chelsea, Flick confirmed: "Today we are happy with our level of play. After the loss against Chelsea, I trust my team, and I see that we perform well when there is good communication and correct positioning."
Regarding the absence of Olmo and Fermin’s readiness, Flick said: "Fermin can play, I don’t know if he will start, but I am happy about his return. Dani is a good player, these things happen and must be managed."
On the difficulty of facing Betis, Flick clarified: "Betis is a great team with distinguished players. We have to show the same level we showed against Atletico. It was a big match that gave us confidence, and we have to repeat that tomorrow."
Regarding Lamine's defensive and offensive role, Flick said: "We always talk about players in both offensive and defensive roles. Against Atletico, Lamine's pressing helped the team a lot. He has improved greatly in defense as well as in attack. The level he shows is wonderful, I am happy to see him. He is a player who always wants to improve and aims to surpass the next opponent. Sometimes it is difficult, but Lamine continues, and he must make the right decisions and trust himself to contribute to the team."
Regarding De Jong’s readiness to play as a starter, Flick clarified: "I don’t know if he will start from the beginning, but he might play tomorrow."
About the team’s cohesion after facing Atletico, Flick pointed out: "Against Atletico, the team regained its best moments, and I also liked what I saw after the match."
Regarding Gavi’s condition after injury, Flick confirmed: "Gavi is fine, he celebrated the win with us on Tuesday, he is recovering well, and I am sure he will come back stronger than before."
On the challenges and responsibilities in the coaching profession, Flick said: "This is a job. As a coach, only eleven players can start from the beginning, but responsibility is linked to players' behavior. When a player feels frustrated, he cannot always give 100%, and this must be accepted. Not every player can always play, and this is what I explain to the players. Enjoy playing with your teammates; this is the nature of things at a club like Barcelona. Some players may not be happy, but they have to give everything for the team."
Regarding Gerard Martin’s position as a center-back or full-back, Flick clarified: "He plays well, his position is clear, disciplined both defensively and offensively, he does everything excellently, and this is what we expect from him."
About the renewal of Eric Garcia’s contract and his performance, Flick said: "Since the beginning of the season, we have seen his potential. At first, he suffered from injuries, but he is a very professional player who deserves the renewal. This is good news for everyone."
Regarding the importance of Rafinha in the team, Flick explained: "Our relationship is good, Rafa is a very important player. He initiates the pressing dynamics whether with the ball or without it. His presence in the team is wonderful for me."
On the team’s reaction after the loss against Chelsea, Flick confirmed: "Today we are happy with our level of play. After the loss against Chelsea, I trust my team, and I see that we perform well when there is good communication and correct positioning."
Regarding the absence of Olmo and Fermin’s readiness, Flick said: "Fermin can play, I don’t know if he will start, but I am happy about his return. Dani is a good player, these things happen and must be managed."
On the difficulty of facing Betis, Flick clarified: "Betis is a great team with distinguished players. We have to show the same level we showed against Atletico. It was a big match that gave us confidence, and we have to repeat that tomorrow."