Hansi Flick does not rule out a 'bombshell' in the XI against Leganés

FC Barcelona faces a key match next Sunday against Leganés in their quest to finish the first half of the season at the top. The Catalans will host the pepinero team at Montjuïc and will do so without Hansi Flick on the bench following his expulsion against Betis. In the lead-up to the match, the German shared his feelings and opened the door to a possible surprise in the starting eleven.

"The last thing I will say to the players will be in the hotel," commented the coach about his absence on the sidelines. Marcus Sorg, his assistant, will take his place, and Flick gave him his blessing by stating that "we have good communication with Marcus, he is a coach with a lot of experience, he knows a lot about football. I believe in him and he has the quality to manage it".

After revealing that he told the team "to play focused one hundred percent," the German did not rule out some rotation in the XI to refresh legs. "Leganés is tomorrow and we are not thinking about Atlético. The issue is to decide on the same team, but also players who can come in as fresh legs. There may be rotations".

Flick spoke about his sanction

When asked if he considers his punishment for the red card shown against Betis to be unfair, Flick was emphatic. "I will drink water before answering this question. My reaction was not good, that is clear. I tried to talk to Frenkie. There was something between Iñigo and Vitor Roque. I don't want us to complain to the referees. I don't want to waste energy on something we cannot change," the coach began.

"We must accept the decisions. It has been a hard blow, but we must accept it. Perhaps I need to work on my behavior," he continued, later sending a 'jab' at LaLiga's refereeing.

"I only ask that they referee the same way, consistently"

"We need to play better. What I want, and they do, is not to complain to the referees. It is different from a few years ago. Our philosophy is to do what we can do. The referees can also improve. We are human beings and they make mistakes", Flick clarified, closing this topic with a clear message to the press.

"I will not answer about the referees again. You are very interested in what I might say. I will not do it anymore. You will find everything there. The interpretation is your decision", the coach concluded.

The possible starting position of Araújo

Regarding the return of injured players, Flick stated that "it is normal that after an injury you need time before returning to the highest level. Ansu has trained with the team. Araújo can play, it is a step forward. He is in good shape. All the physical work is very good". He later left the door open for the Uruguayan's starting position.

"The plan is for him to play some minutes, I don't know how many. He may be in the starting eleven. If he is not, the plan is for him to be able to play. He can do it and is ready"

Who could rest is Raphinha, whose fatigue in recent matches has been significant. However, the Barça coach confessed that no decision has been made yet. "Today is his birthday and I have seen him with a lot of positive energy. I will talk to him tomorrow and we have not yet made the decision whether he will rest", he stated.

The situation of Frenkie de Jong

Flick was also questioned about whether he seeks to protect Frenkie de Jong by advancing his position, to which he responded that "I do not believe in individualities. I care about the team. In Dortmund, he came in. We won the match, with the three points. You saw how they celebrated. Frenkie too. It is not about protecting him. He knows perfectly what he needs to do. We must support the players to give their maximum level".

Finally, he assured that he is not only looking to help the Dutchman but the entire squad. "What is important is for everyone, especially for the injured. I hope we can help them give even more and regain the rhythm they had before the injury. We need to support all players, also Gavi, Araújo... Our job is to take care of the players. I believe they give their best to reach their maximum professional level", he concluded.