Hansi Flick criticizes Bellingham and confirms a key return for Barça

The FC Barcelona faces a true final next Monday, February 17, against Rayo Vallecano at Montjuïc. The culés have the opportunity to seize the lead and secure three points, and ahead of the match, Hansi Flick spoke to the media to share his feelings about the game and 'dive into' hot topics like the expulsion of Bellingham and the physical condition of Ronald Araujo.

"We don't have to look at the standings. There is still a long way to go and what we want to show is good performance. I have the feeling that, more and more, the team has more confidence in its strength and is having fun. That is the most important thing. When I arrived, I was told that Rayo was a brave team. I have always heard that. Their coach is incredible and they are having very good results," the coach began saying about the possibility of seizing the lead in LaLiga.

Regarding the motivation of the squad in the face of the opportunity to regain the top of the table, the German stated that "I have the feeling that the players want to show what kind of team they are and what mentality they have. And that is fantastic for the coaches. That they are eager to improve is very good. I have the feeling that they have confidence. Our will is to continue improving and I believe that, in fact, that is what we are doing".

"The important thing is to be leaders at the end, not now"

"What matters most to me, and my priority, is our team. It is what we can do best. I know that for the environment, being at the top is important and it would be important to gain confidence. But we focus on ourselves. The important thing is to be leaders at the end, not now. Although of course it helps to see yourself at the top, of course. Before that, you have to play 90 minutes and perform well," the German added regarding the importance of securing three points this Monday.

The possible comeback against Madrid in LaLiga and the mystery of the call-up against Sevilla

Regarding the probability of catching up with Madrid again after being seven points behind at the end of 2024, Flick pointed out that "I like to go in a straight line and that shows that the league is a very tight competition where many teams can win against each other. And I think that is fun from a journalistic point of view. Everything starts again from zero".

When asked whether he would like to be judged by titles or by the team's play, the coach stated that "by both. The way we play is important. And winning titles is also important. Everything revolves around mentality and, right now, the quality is fantastic. We have grown as a team and that is what I like. For me and the team. I want them to play well and show the confidence they have".

On the other hand, he referred to the mystery of the call-up for the match against Sevilla from the previous matchday, which he did not provide and which generated general confusion. "We have to submit the list of called players 90 minutes before; and that is what I know. I didn't know it was an obligation to do so... We'll see how we do it this Monday," Flick explained with a laugh.

A list that, by the way, will include the name of Ronald Araujo, who has managed to recover in time from the injury suffered against the Sevillians. This was confirmed by the Barça coach, who limited himself to saying that the Uruguayan "will be on the list", although, barring surprises, he would come off the bench at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.

Bellingham's expulsion in Osasuna

Flick was not indifferent to the controversy generated in the match between Osasuna and Real Madrid, where Jude Bellingham was sent off for insulting the referee. Although the report by Munuera Montero states that the Englishman said 'fuck you', the midfielder insists that the insult was 'fuck off', which, according to the player himself, is not an offense to the referee as it would be equivalent to 'don't mess with me'.

Regardless of the meaning of the insult, the German believes that "it is a lack of respect, but I am not the one who should comment on it. And that is what I have always told the players. Why waste time and energy arguing with the referee about the decisions he makes? There is one player, who is the captain, who has the right to argue with the referee".

"I like handball and you see that when the referee blows the whistle, the ball stops and the players go back to defend. I do not like the behavior I saw yesterday and I told his players today. It is a weakness when you get a red card," he added.

"I have many things on my list but I don't want to say them here. I would like to discuss it with LaLiga"

The Barça coach surprised by stating that he would like to talk to LaLiga to discuss and consider changes in the regulations, hinting that he disagrees with many aspects of the competition. "It is something that has to do with the attitude of the teams or the players. I like that time is not wasted, I have many things on my list but I don't want to say them here. I would like to discuss it with LaLiga"

"Some things could be changed, but it is not appropriate to say it here. We have to play well, better than the other teams. We are not responsible for the other. I am open to talking with those who decide", he reflected.

The impact of La Masia on Barça

When asked whether he has asked Lamine Yamal to shoot more at the goal, the German commented that "we always indicate to the players what they should do within the position they play to help the team score goals. Yesterday I watched a video of Casadó and Bernal when they were eleven years old and it is incredible. Also of Cubarsí. The young players are people who enjoy football. And if they score goals, even better. They are hungry to score goals"

In that sense, Flick concluded his appearance with a reflection on the impact of La Masia on the team when asked about the renewal of Cubarsí. "It is not just Cubarsí. It is about all the players from La Masia. They are special together. I have said it before. The video I saw of them when they played at eleven years old. It is good that they continue to do it now. It helps the atmosphere of the team. And you see it now, how well they get along. And for their 18 years, they seem like an experienced player and they are still very young. They are players of very high quality", he concluded.