Flick: Raphinha will not play against Getafe and Galatasaray, and Yamal will be the best in the world

Hans Flick, FC Barcelona's head coach, confirmed that Raphinha will not participate in the matches against Getafe and Galatasaray, despite tests showing no injury. He emphasized the need to exercise caution with the Brazilian player, who suffered three injuries during last season.

The German coach discussed Gabriel Jesus's readiness, Frenkie de Jong's return date, his options in the backline, and praised Lamine Yamal during the press conference ahead of the match against Getafe.

Flick said regarding Raphinha's condition: "The tests show that there is something, but they do not indicate an injury. However, we must be cautious, as he suffered three injuries last season, and we need to take care of him. He will not be available tomorrow against Getafe, nor in the match against Galatasaray."

Regarding Gabriel Jesus, he clarified: "The idea is for him to be able to play as a starter; he has improved a lot since his arrival, and he is very strong inside the penalty area. He has trained a lot over the past few weeks, and I have been very impressed with his performance; he is ready to start as a starter."

Barcelona's coach discussed international breaks and the busy schedule, saying: "These breaks are part of our work, I don't like them, but I can't change them, and we have to focus on the next match. We have five very important matches ahead of us, and we must prepare for them, and that's what we will do."

He added regarding the match against Getafe: "We always deal with things the same way, the next match is the most important, and nothing changes, the next opponent is Getafe, and they will be a tough opponent, we know their style of play, and matches against them are usually difficult."

Regarding the return of Frenkie de Jong, Flick said: "The plan is for the match against Real Betis to be the first match he joins the team list, the news is good, he is not feeling pain, but we have to wait."

He also confirmed the possibility of using the Dutch player in the center-back position, explaining: "Of course he can play in this position, we have several options, and Frenkie is one of them to fill the center-back role."

Regarding Juan García, he added: "Livaković is always an available option, as is Szczęsny, but based on what we saw today, Juan is in very good shape, and I believe he will be able to play as a starter."

Flick discussed the possibility of relying on Marc Bernal in central defense, stating: "He has played in this position a few times during training, but we do not see him as suitable for this position. It is better for a young player with this talent to play in his position, develop, and gain more confidence. He has been performing very well in recent matches, and I do not see him as an option to play in central defense."

He also praised Esbart when discussing the competition for the left-back position, saying: "We have two players in every position, and everyone must play at their highest level, otherwise we can replace them, and everyone knows that. I see this in training, every player knows they must give 100% of their ability. I really like the intensity I see in training, and it's good for the club and for everyone to have a player like Esbart."

The German coach praised Lamine Yamal's level and mentality, stating: "What I see in the matches with the Spanish national team and with us during the first eight matches is amazing. I saw him live in London during the match against England; it varies from player to player, as these are young players who recover quickly. Lamine is a young player who enjoys playing and has confidence, and his behavior is amazing. What we see from him in training is very good."

He added: "He will be the best player in the world, if he isn't already. His mentality, desire, and determination to improve every day represent the right mindset, and he is currently heading in that direction, and I am very happy about that."

Flick discussed his players' participation with their national teams, highlighting Raphinha's trip with Brazil to Australia, saying: "The national team remains the national team, and for any player, the main goal is to defend their country, and this is Raphinha's mentality and attitude. He always gives 100% of his effort. We have to ask ourselves whether his participation in Australia is necessary, and whether it makes sense to travel all these thousands of kilometers; this is amazing."

He added: "We have to choose friendly matches, but that is not possible in Europe due to the UEFA Nations League. When I was with the German national team, we had the opportunity to travel to Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay because we had two or three friendly matches. But now, that is impossible. It is natural that there is a lot of pressure on the players, and there are not enough matches to monitor other players and give rest to those who have played the most minutes. This is the situation, and we have to accept it."

Flick concluded his remarks on this matter by stating: "The way things are managed is not the best, but I have to accept it and manage the minutes of my players' participation, and that is why I say I greatly appreciate what Luis de la Fuente is doing with my players, it is perfect, the relationship is very good, and I am very happy to see that, it is the best national team in the world."