Flick analyzes Koundé's situation, the pressure on Lamine Yamal, and Balde's uncertain return

Hansi Flick took advantage of the press conference prior to the match against Celta de Vigo (Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, 4:15 PM) to, beyond being completely open to launching criticism at LaLiga for the management of the calendar for teams that play in European competitions and how this influences the fatigue of their players, he also spoke about several topics of interest regarding several Barça players.

Flick and the management of Koundé's minutes: concern about physical fatigue?

The first topic he addressed was that of Jules Koundé, who has recently been in the spotlight due to a specific fact: the small amount of rest he has had. The '23' of Barcelona has been the piece that Hansi Flick has used the most this season (4,171 minutes out of 4,500 possible), resting little or not at all, which has generated concerns about the possible physical impact on a player who, in a season so full of matches, could suffer fatigue.

However, Flick sees the situation from a different angle and took the opportunity to highlight why he uses Koundé so much without worries. "The problem with Jules is when I tell him I'll give you 30 games or less, the next day he goes to Sitges to run, so it's better for him to run with the team. His form is fantastic, incredible level, and sometimes it's good to rest. I always talk to the players. The responsibility for their body depends on them. If they are honest, they tell me how they feel. With the data we collect, if someone is fatigued and we can see it, we change something," he commented.

"The problem with Jules is when I tell him I'll give you 30 games or less, the next day he goes to Sitges to run, so it's better for him to run with the team"

Hansi gave his opinion on Lamine Yamal and the pressure he experiences

Likewise, the German coach spoke about the case of Lamine Yamal, who has had a significant amount of playing time this season, something unusual for a player of his age, and the enormous responsibility that falls on his shoulders. "Everyone knows that Lamine is a genius, at 17 years old he has a lot of pressure on his shoulders, we need him at his best level. I talk to the players, if they are tired they tell me and we make changes. The same with Koundé, Lamine and all the players," he explained.

The Barça coach did not hesitate to praise Iñigo Martínez

Hansi Flick also referred to the inclusion of Iñigo Martínez in his starting eleven, a key player in the team's defense. "It is very important that we talk on the field. Iñigo sees everything that happens from his position. He is one of the players who can manage the team from behind. It is very important. I am very happy with him, I appreciate his professionalism and he is an undisputed leader," he asserted.

Hansi Flick's uncertainty about Dani Olmo's starting position against Celta de Vigo

The German coach spoke about Dani Olmo, who is recovering from a physical setback (myofascial injury in the adductor of the right leg) and whose starting position against Celta de Vigo remains uncertain. "We will decide tomorrow if he can start. He is ready and prepared. Fermín also did very well. We'll see," he emphasized.

The German addressed the issue of Alejandro Balde's injury and his possible return

Regarding the state of Alejandro Balde's injury, suffering from a distal injury to the biceps femoris of the left thigh, Flick pointed out that it is still unknown when he will be able to return to action with the Barça shirt, especially for Barcelona's next big challenge: the Copa del Rey final. "We have to see it day by day. I'm not sure if he will be fit for the Copa del Rey final, we will have to wait," he concluded.

Definitely, a press conference full of news about several of the FC Barcelona players. An X-ray of some key assets of the team ahead of the league match against Celta de Vigo, a match in which the Barça team will seek to maintain the path of success in the local tournament to continue consolidating itself as leader of LaLiga EA Sports. Will Hansi Flick's team manage to prevail against Claudio Giráldez's team?