Barcelona manager Hansi Flick faced the media ahead of his side’s upcoming clash against Real Oviedo, addressing a wide range of topics from tactical concerns to individual player situations and the wider context surrounding the club.
Flick began by analysing the importance of the match itself, stressing Barcelona’s responsibility to control the game from the start, especially after recent slow beginnings.
“We’re playing at home and we want to win. In recent games, the opposition has always scored first, and we want to avoid that.”
Presidential election
The conversation then shifted to the presidential election at the club, a subject Flick made clear he is keeping at arm’s length.
While acknowledging internal communication, he underlined his professional focus. Addressing the issue, he stated,
“It’s not my job. The president spoke to me and said as soon as possible is good. We are professionals and we have to play football.
“The president wants it that way and so do we. We have to give it our best shot.”
He added further clarity on his personal stance, saying, “I know one or two of the candidates, but I’m focused on my work. I’ll decide who I’ll vote for later.”
On Araujo and defensive stability
Flick was also asked about Ronald Araújo and his physical condition. The Barcelona coach confirmed that caution remains the priority as the defender edges closer to full fitness.
Explaining the plan, Flick said, “We have to manage his minutes and assess how he’s feeling physically.
“He’s much better and could be an option to start, although we’ll know for sure tomorrow.”
Defensive stability was another key theme. Flick acknowledged recent lapses and emphasised the need for concentration throughout matches.
“We’ve made some mistakes, and that’s why we’ve conceded goals. It may be a question of concentration.
“We’ve seen other teams defend with everything they’ve got, and sometimes, because we attack well, it feels like we have the game under control.
“But in defence, you have to stay focused at all times.”
On Gavi, Cubarsi and Fermin
When asked about pressure from Real Madrid, Flick played down any immediate concern, stressing patience over the long season ahead.
“There’s a long way to go. We’ll see what happens. I don’t know if I’ll have time to watch the game today.”
The German coach also provided an update on Gavi, urging calm and long-term thinking in his recovery process.
“I see him almost every day. He’s training and improving a lot. The most important thing for him is to stay calm and take it step by step.
“There’s no need to rush things. He has a long career ahead of him and there’s no need to hurry.
“If he comes back in February, we’ll be happy, but for me the important thing is that he comes back fit.”
Praise was reserved for young defender Pau Cubarsi, whom Flick described as one of the country’s top talents despite his age.
“He is now 19 years old. In recent games, he has played a lot of minutes, and it is normal for him to go through certain situations.
“He is playing at the highest level and has a lot of potential. For me, he is one of the best centre-backs in Spain.”
Finally, Flick highlighted the impact of Fermin Lopez, underlining his ability to change matches with intensity and directness.
Describing his profile, Flick concluded, “He can change games, and that’s what we need from him. He could be calmer on the ball, but that’s his style.
“He’s intense, dynamic, and can hurt opponents in space. He’s fantastic in front of goal. He always presses, like Raphinha.”
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