Hansi Flick puts an end to the controversy with Ter Stegen and talks about rotations at Villarreal

After a troubled debut in the Champions League, FC Barcelona returns to the ring in LaLiga EA Sports 2024-2025 this Sunday, September 22 against Villarreal at the Estadio de la Cerámica (6:30 p.m.). In the preview of the duel corresponding to matchday 6 of the local championship, Hansi Flick has attended the media in a press conference where he has not held anything back about the defeat in Monaco and the match against the 'Yellow Submarine'.

The 'stumble' in Monaco

The Barça coach took the 'iron' out of the defeat suffered against the Monegasque team, stating that "at the end of the day, a game is a game and if you lose it, things have not gone so well. I don't care too much about what happens outside, the important thing is that we have a clear idea. We have to be honest with the players. It is better to analyze a victory, but the players did not play badly. We focus on the game."

A fall that has left Ter Stegen's figure very affected, responsible for the expulsion of Eric García after a serious error in the back. However, Flick came out in defense of the goalkeeper, stating that "one of the strong points is being able to play with the ball at his feet, it is his style of play. He has recognized a mistake, but I make mistakes, you make mistakes, we all make mistakes, it is human..."

"... I hope that next time he has clear instructions, but for me it is water under the bridge"

The match against Villarreal

Once the issue of the stumble at the Luis II was 'resolved', Hansi turned the page and focused on next Sunday's duel. "That's what I said after the game in Monaco, we analysed everything and we also saw good things in what we did there, but we lost. We're going to work and go out with the same intensity against Villarreal that we did with ten men in Monaco. Villarreal plays very well, very intense, very focused on attack, it's good to see them play and analyse them, but I think we have a lot of options," he commented.

Although he did not confirm any rotation at La Cerámica, he did give his players a warning by ensuring that only those who are in top condition will go out on the pitch.

"Only those who are 100% fit will play. We have problems if a player only gives 80%"

When asked about the physical strain on the squad due to the tight schedule, Hansi said that "I already said that there will be no excuses, that's how it is, now we have the third game in seven days, we will be able to manage it. We have to be careful with some players who are carrying a lot of load, we have other fresher players who can play, we will see tomorrow, we are managing it well with the medical team. We are careful with Cubarsí, they have had some recovery."

Regarding the perfect start in LaLiga, Flick said that the key is the confidence of his players. "When you are positive, you always think that you are going to win the first games. What we have seen after the first three games and then with the 7-0 helps the players to have confidence in the idea that we have. We have shown them how we can play very well against Villarreal and that has to do with the confidence that the players have in themselves. Each one knows where they have to be and how to connect with each other," he explained.

The roles of Eric García and Ansu Fati

On the other hand, the Blaugrana coach spoke about the role that Eric García will play in his scheme in the next matches, confessing that he asked him for a 'sacrifice' for the team. "I spoke with him because he knows the situation we are in...

"... He likes to play as a centre-back, but we have to think about the team. In this period we need him as number 6"

"The red card is something that happens in football, but he is ready to play," added Flick, making it clear that the expulsion suffered in '24 in Monaco is already a thing of the past.

In addition, he highlighted the return of Ansu Fati to the first team, a reinforcement that could be of great help to the Blaugranas throughout the season. "When you return from an injury you have to adapt. We are careful with him, but he is at another level and can help us," he commented.

Injuries and possible signings for Barça

Flick also spoke about the situation of Frenkie de Jong and Gavi, who are already in the final stages of their recovery processes. "It is not our plan to count on Frenkie and Gavi, I only focus on the players who can play...

"... What I have seen from Frenkie is that he is recovering well, we look after him, because the situation has not been easy and I can say the same about Gavi. Both need time"

However, when asked if he will need any signings or if the return of the injured players will be enough to complete the squad, the German assured that "I never think about it. We have a team and we have shown it, with each club it is the same, some weeks we lose two or three players and as a coach it is something you have to accept. We are on the right path and I hope we can prove it tomorrow as well."

The possible players' strike

Finally, he made his position clear regarding the possible players' strike due to the huge number of matches scheduled for this season, throwing a 'dart' at FIFA and UEFA in the middle.

"I think FIFA and UEFA have to look after the players. We all love to see the players at full capacity, that's why it's important to reduce the number of matches"