It has not been a quiet week at FC Barcelona. The defeats to Atlético de Madrid and Girona left a mark. Hansi Flick says he sensed it right away.
With Levante on the horizon, Flick has acknowledged the vibe shift.
“After two defeats and not showing our best level, it was very good to have these two days off. I can see that the players are fresher,” he said.
Confidence, he admitted, needs a lift. “We play at home and we have to win the three points. We want to regain confidence.”
“It is normal when you
lose and don’t play well that doubts appear. We have been very honest,” Flick said. Later he added: “Everyone is convinced about what we are doing.”
Flick says that team meetings have been held in which a dialog has been encouraged. “I don’t just explain things, I ask questions. That’s how I work and manage the team. We need leaders. It’s important that they have a voice. I want them to take responsibility for the situation and I think they are doing that.”
Being fair to the German coach, Barça have won four of the five trophies available to him at some point during his reign. They have already won the Supercopa de España this season and are still in contention for the big prizes. That does not erase the last two results, but it matters.
The squad is also getting healthier. “Marcus Rashford is back, Pedri as well and Gavi is improving,” he confirmed. On Pedri, there was a hint of optimism: “Maybe he can play a few minutes on Sunday, but the positive thing is that he is already training with the group. He is a very important player for us. He is a different kind of leader because of his quality. He can be one of those leaders in the future of this club.”
Gavi, meanwhile, is being eased along carefully. “Step by step.”
As for the presidential elections rumbling in the background, Flick kept his distance. “That decision has been taken. It is not my job to make any comment and I don’t think it affects the team.”
