FC Barcelona will look to continue their run in LaLiga EA Sports next Wednesday, September 25 against Getafe at Montjuïc. In the run-up to the match corresponding to matchday 7 of the league championship, Hansi Flick has attended the media in the press room of the Ciutat Esportiva Sant Joan Despí, a press conference monopolized by Ter Stegen and his injury.
The possible signing of a goalkeeper for Barça
The coach began his appearance by reinforcing the position of Iñaki Peña, whose role in the team is 'threatened' by the possible signing of a goalkeeper. "First of all, I have to say that Iñaki is doing well in training and he was already good in pre-season. It is always hard for a goalkeeper who is not a starter to be ready to play when he is due to, but he is ready and we have to see what we do because the players behind him are very young. We have to take care of the squad, but we don't feel any pressure. We are comfortable with Iñaki," he commented.
However, when asked if Barça needed to bring in an experienced goalkeeper on loan until June or a goalkeeper with potential who can compete with Ter Stegen in the future, Flick 'played' the trick and did not close the door to the arrival of a reinforcement for the position.
"I can't answer this question. We have to evaluate the different options but we don't feel pressure. We'll see how things go. I'll talk to Deco and we'll see what decision we make"
Wednesday's game will be a "tough" one for Barça
When asked if he expects a difficult match against Bordalás's team, Hansi said that "yes. We'll have to do different things because each game is different, and we have to adapt the plan. That's what we did today (on Tuesday), and I hope the team executes it tomorrow."
"We've analysed the game against Villarreal and there are things we can improve, so it's clear that there are many more things to contribute to the project. We're doing well, but we're going step by step. There are steps we still have to take," added the German, who confessed that Iñigo Martínez and Jules Koundé could come off the bench for the first time this season. "We're thinking about rotations, yes. We'll talk tomorrow," he revealed.
Will Lamine Yamal rest against Getafe?
Despite this, the Barça coach seems to have ruled out resting Lamine Yamal in the match against the blue-and-whites, stating that "at the moment, he doesn't seem like he needs to rest. He's fine, he feels fine..."
"... We'll evaluate it, but I don't think Lamine needs to rest. Besides, we're playing at home and we've already seen what Lamine is doing this season"
Likewise, Flick came out in defence of his star player after the tough tackles he received in Villarreal. "We have to look after Lamine, of course, because what he does with the ball is incredible. But we have to look after all the players," said the German, who sees Lamine as the best in the world in the future. "Quality has nothing to do with age. He's doing incredible things. Is he the best? He could become one hundred percent sure," he added.
Araújo's recovery and the present of Raphinha and Lewandowski
On the progress of Ronald Araújo's injury, Flick said that the player is making positive progress, although he does not have an estimated return date. "Araújo is fine. We cannot say when he will return, it is an open question. I am happy to see him because, when he comes into the dressing room, it is as if he darkens the dressing room a little because it is very big and we need players like that. It is fantastic to have him among us."
The Barça coach was not impressed by Lewandowski's great start to the season, stating that "I am not surprised. He has scored six goals. You always need players around you; and the style of play that we have gives him options to play. And that is what we want. To play well, also for the fans. We return to play at home 25 days later."
Finally, Hansi praised the enormous present of Raphinha, whose level would have a lot to do with the unity of the dressing room. "He's a very dynamic player, everyone in the dressing room loves him, he gives everything for the team. But it's not just Raphinha who I want to trust, but all the players. I think everyone has created an environment that favours the team playing well. We have a good atmosphere as a team and that's very important" he concluded.