FC Barcelona: Flick explains Lewandowski's situation and Ter Stegen's return

Hansi Flick, coach of FC Barcelona, spoke at the press conference prior to the match between RCD Mallorca and the 'culé' team (Tuesday, April 22 | 9:30 PM). In this appearance, the German coach addressed several issues related to the current events of the 'Azulgrana' team.

One of the key points of the Heidelberg native's appearance was the situation of Robert Lewandowski and his injury. The Polish forward suffered a physical setback in the semitendinosus of his left thigh during the match against Celta de Vigo (4-3), which would leave him out of Barcelona's next matches, including the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid (04/26). Although the Catalan team has not specified the exact time of absence, it is feared that he will not be ready to face Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League.

Flick expressed uncertainty about the return date of 'Lewy', but assured that they will not rush his recovery. "We don't know which game he will be able to return to. When he is ready, we will be happy and welcome him with open arms. We do not want to anticipate the return deadlines," he warned.

Marc-André ter Stegen is getting closer to returning with Barcelona

The 'culé' coach also referred to another key player in Barcelona's recovery, Marc-André ter Stegen. Despite rumors that the German goalkeeper would miss the rest of the 2024-25 season due to an injury to his right knee (complete rupture of the patellar tendon) suffered in September 2024, it seems that he is ready to return to action: "He is ready, he is prepared, we have to talk about what we will do. We have to talk to him to decide the moment of his return," he said.

Ferran Torres: The ideal replacement for Lewandowski at FC Barcelona

With the absence of Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres will be the one to assume the role of starting '9'. The 'Shark', who has shown a great capacity for adaptation, was upset after being relieved (min. 59) in the match against Celta de Vigo (4-3). Flick praised his importance to the team. "Ferran is very important, it is something that must be managed, he is in a very good moment of his career, he has scored ten goals in the League. The 9 is the position he plays in, he is fast, but he can also control the ball and in defense he can support with his dynamics. I like to see him like that, but we have to manage it because we need him until the end of the season," he emphasized.

"Ferran is very important, it is something that must be managed, he is in a very good moment of his career, he has scored ten goals in the League"

Raphinha and his great moment of form as a 'culé'

Left winger Raphinha has been one of the most outstanding players of Barcelona in recent matches, especially after his double against Celta de Vigo. The 'Azulgrana' coach praised his performance and positioned him as one of the leaders of the 'Barcelonés' team. "It is important that the whole team is very professional. I have a team that is always focused on what to improve. Obviously, Raphinha and other players are fantastic, they are leaders. We need players with this attitude. I am happy with the team for what they do on the field and how they prepare for the following matches," he said.

To close, Flick spoke about Frenkie de Jong, who has been under the spotlight after his performance in the defeat against Celta de Vigo. In that match, the Dutchman was singled out for his participation in the goal of the third score of the Galician team, when he was in a compromised defensive position. Hansi assured that the Catalan team has analyzed that match and that they must improve certain situations. "We have analyzed the Celta match and have shown how it should be done. Sometimes it seems that when we have the ball, we don't think about the fact that it can be lost. When you have possession you must be prepared for when the direction changes. I was not happy in situations of four against five and we had to improve," he concluded.