Flick rules out Raphinha, targets Joan Garcia as starter and confirms Gabriel Jesus is ready
The head coach of FC Barcelona has reviewed the situation of several players before facing Getafe on matchday 8. Raphinha will also be unavailable for the European match against Galatasaray, while Joan Garcia has plenty of options to regain his place in the starting XI. Gabriel Jesus is ready to play and Frenkie de Jong could return to the squad for the game against Betis.
FC Barcelona
Raphinha ruled out against Getafe and Galatasaray
Raphinha23.430.000€+320.000€-
DLHansi Flick confirmed that Raphinha will not be available for Barcelona's next two fixtures, despite medical tests not detecting a serious injury.
The coach explained that the Brazilian needs to be cautious due to his muscular history and does not want to take unnecessary risks with his recovery.
«The tests show something, it's not an injury, but we have to be careful because last year he had three injuries, and we have to look after him. He won't be available tomorrow or against Galatasaray», he said.
Therefore, Raphinha will miss at least the next two matches, and his return will depend on how he progresses over the coming days.
Gabriel Jesus ready to make the most of his chance
Gabriel Jesús9.830.000€+100.000€2
DLRaphinha's absence opens up new possibilities in the Blaugrana attack and Gabriel Jesus emerges as one of the alternatives to take on a bigger role.
Flick was especially pleased with the progress of the Brazilian, who has used the past few weeks to adapt even better to Barcelona's style.
«He has improved a lot here and he has also adapted to our style, to how we want to play. Of course, his strength is in the area, close to the area, and he is doing well», he explained.
The manager highlighted his performance during training and confirmed that he is ready to compete: «He has trained these three weeks and he has trained very well. I value a lot what I have seen and, of course, he is ready».
Joan Garcia set to start against Getafe
Joan García6.170.000€6
PTOne of the main talking points from the press conference came in goal. Flick hinted that Joan Garcia could directly reclaim his place in the starting XI, after showing good feelings in the last session.
«Livakovic is always an option, and also Tek. But from what we have seen today, Joan is very good and I think he will be able to play from the start», he said.
Although he also mentioned Szczesny and Livakovic as alternatives, the coach's comments put Joan Garcia as the main candidate to defend the Blaugrana goal against Getafe.
De Jong could return against Betis
De Jong1.390.000€+250.000€-
MDThe coach also updated the physical condition of Frenkie de Jong, who continues to progress favorably in his recovery.
The Dutchman no longer has pain, but the coaching staff prefers to keep things cautious before bringing him back into competition.
«The plan is that maybe against Betis will be the first match where he is included in the squad. The news is good, he doesn't have pain, but we have to wait», he explained.
That way, De Jong will remain out against Getafe, with the match against Betis as a possible date for his return.
Lamine Yamal, in an extraordinary moment
Lamine Yamal25.120.000€+1.000.000€3
DLFlick lavished praise on Lamine Yamal, highlighting both his performances with Barcelona and his displays with the Spanish national team.
«What I saw, especially in the matches, but also with us, in the first eight games, was incredible», he said.
The coach also valued his mentality, his attitude in training, and his ability to maintain such a high competitive level.
«He will be the best player in the world. If he isn't now, I think he's close to being it», he said.
However, Flick reminded that managing his minutes will also be important, especially with the accumulation of matches. The coach believes it is positive that he can be substituted in some games after playing 60 or 70 minutes, although the player does not always like to come off the pitch.
Bernal, an option for the center of defense
Asked about the possibility of using Marc Bernal as a center-back, Flick acknowledged that the young player has worked occasionally in that position during training.
However, the coach made it clear that he does not currently see that position as his usual role.
«He plays sometimes in this position in training, but I don't see him in this position», he explained.
Flick highlighted his progress over the last few matches and believes that working in different positions can help him improve his confidence and understanding of the game.
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