Flick: Yamal suffered a blow and we will see tomorrow, and this is our preferred option at striker

Hans Flick, the head coach of FC Barcelona, has discussed Lamine Yamal's condition ahead of the match against Valencia, scheduled to take place tomorrow, Sunday, at the Mestalla Stadium. He also touched on the team's captaincy order and Raphinha's impact in the attack.

Flick said about Lamine Yamal's condition: "He took a hit, so we have to wait until tomorrow."

When asked about the possibility of the player's participation, he replied: "We'll see tomorrow."

The German coach discussed the leadership hierarchy at FC Barcelona, clarifying the five names who will take on this responsibility. He said: "Raphinha first, Pedri second, Erik third, Frenkie fourth, and Lamine fifth."

Regarding the selection of captains, Flick explained that the absence of Marc-André ter Stegen and Ronald Araujo was one of the reasons for the changes, saying: "This is normal. Ter Stegen is not here, nor is Araujo, so Erik or Lamine came in. I chose two captains, and three were elected, namely Erik, Frenkie, and Yamal."

He added: "Considering the team and the players we have and their impact on the team, I see Raphinha and Pedri as well; I didn't want to choose others, I wanted them because they are essential in the lineup. It was an easy decision because I have come to know the team better now."

He continued: "In previous seasons, we had players like Marc-André ter Stegen or Ronald Araujo or Frenkie, and they didn't participate much. I am happy with the team's choice and these five leaders."

Flick praised Raphinha's impact, confirming his ability to deliver strong performances whether he plays as a winger or moves into the center as a striker. He said: "Whether he plays as a winger or moves into the center as a number 9, he performs very well, and he is our best option in this position at the moment, as he also provides pressing and speed."

Flick spoke about the level of spending and new signings: "We are working together within the club. We identify deals with Deco. After the departure of some players, we had to sign new players. For me, it is not easy to let players from La Masia go and tell them to leave for development; I know their dream is to play for FC Barcelona, but here we want to win titles and elevate the team, and so far, we are doing well."

Regarding the possibility of Koundé playing as a full-back or center-back, Flick said: "He is a great professional; for him, it is a challenge. He can be a great option in every position. We have to choose the right timing and position according to the circumstances."

He added: "He hasn't started as a regular this season, but that presents a challenge for him. I know he can play as a centre-back, but he prefers to play as a full-back. He performed exceptionally well there in our first season, and we are always thinking about the team's best interests. He is working hard to regain his best form."

Regarding FC Barcelona's goals before the first international break, the German coach explained: "We are working to achieve a full points tally before the first break, I see a great desire and a wonderful atmosphere, which is extremely important, and we need to work on improving every day, we will see, but we will try."

Regarding his assessment of FC Barcelona's squad level, he said: "We must compete in every match and every training session, because the level is always higher. I see the training sessions and I always think that the quality of the team is very good. I see how we press, how we pass the ball, and how we compete; in every competitive training session, it shows that we are at the highest level."

He added: "In the end, the most important thing is to win titles, but the quality is at the highest level."

Flick provided an update on Gabriel Jesus, stating: "He is definitely not 100% ready, but he can play for a few minutes. He has a chance to participate in the second half. I am impressed with the way he has arrived."

Regarding Real Madrid's loss to Real Betis, Flick said: "It's football, and that can always happen. We have to focus on what matters to us; it will be a tough match, but we want to win, and we know it won't be easy."