Hansi Flick spoke to the press on Monday ahead of Barcelona’s big Champions League test against Aston Villa as the Catalans look to return to winning ways in Europe.
The coach spoke about Tuesday’s challenge against Unai Emery’s side but was also asked about Alejandro Balde and Gavi, who are reportedly upset about their lack of minutes, as well as whether or not Barça need to win a “big game” to prove themselves after the high-profile losses to PSG and Real Madrid.
Here’s a summary of the coach’s best
answers.
Hansi Flick on Alejandro Balde
“What he’s going through is normal. When you don’t play often, you lose confidence. I see him training well, but we have to decide what’s best for the team, and Joao Cancelo is playing at a very high level. When I say he has less confidence, I know it can affect him, and I spoke with him after the last press conference. I respect him a lot; he’s young, but he’s a great person and a hard worker. I’ll help him regain his confidence.”
Hansi Flick on Gavi’s lack of minutes
“I don’t see him as a full-back. We all know his quality and Gavi is always an option, but once the game starts that option can disappear and you can’t always stick to your initial plan. I’ve spoken with him and the important thing is that he has confidence.”
Hansi Flick on the need to win “a big game”
“No, the result against Real Madrid could have been different, and the same against PSG. At this level, anything can happen. We won 11 games in a row. You’re focusing on the two defeats. But I have faith in my team. We need to focus on Aston Villa, on the Champions League. We want to be among the top eight.”
Hansi Flick on whether Madrid and PSG defeats overshadow the other 12 wins
“It doesn’t surprise me, it’s the reality, but I think we played at the same level as PSG and Real Madrid, and the results could have been different. But I don’t like to dwell on the past; I prefer to focus on the upcoming matches. We can make history, and we’re working towards that, to win La Liga and the Champions League. We have the quality. It’s normal to focus on defeats or weaknesses; if I were in the press, I’d do the same, but defeats don’t change anything.”
