Hansi Flick acknowledged that the team spent more than an hour in the dressing room on Saturday before the session, as they did on Thursday, analysing the mistakes of the last two games. The coach admitted that they need leaders and that the team had not been at their best, but that they have already turned the page. On the presidential elections, he did not want to comment, but said jokingly that Barcelona has not won since it has been without a president.
Work week
“After two defeats and showing that we have not offered the best level, it has been very good to have two days off. Now the players are fresher and this is important. We play at home and we have to win, to take the three points. We want to regain confidence. It is important to regain confidence. When you lose, and you don’t play well, maybe doubts are generated. We have been very honest and this is the key for the next games. We also need that hunger to win games.”
Gavi gets some friendly hits from FC Barcelona teammates as he gets ready for his return
After two defeats and showing that we have not offered the best level, it has been very good to have two days off, now the players are fresher
Players
“I see the team convinced of our style and style of play. Of the five titles we have won four. I have spoken to many players and they are all 100 per cent convinced. But sometimes you lose. You don’t like to lose, especially at a club like Barcelona, but you have to accept the situation and improve.”
Conversations with footballers
“Everybody is convinced about what we are doing. These are not easy times, but communication is vital. We have been honest and open. I ask them questions, that’s how I work and manage. It’s important because we need leaders. You always have to communicate at the same level, then I’ll make decisions. I want the players to take responsibility and they are doing that.”
We have received many chances from our rivals and we have talked about what we have to do to improve and return to our best level
Training one hour later
“We have received many chances from our rivals and we have talked about what we have to do to improve and return to our best level. There has been an open debate. I also wanted to make things clear. It is important to be able to talk about situations, how to do things, manage them…”.
Ramadan
“We have a clear plan for everyone. We keep track of what they do, how we can support them, when they have to eat, train… As far as I know, only Lamine does it.”
Lack of leadership
“This is normal. In Girona, the first 15-20 minutes were good, I was quite happy. Then we lost our sensations and had chances, but we didn’t take them. We didn’t play with the dynamism and power that we have. But you’re right, we need these kind of players on the pitch and that’s why I’ve told them I want them to tell me what they think, their opinions. It’s important to take responsibility. When the players give 100 per cent, the quality is tremendous. Maybe we don’t have that leadership reference, but it’s everyone’s job to help them grow at all times. I’m 100 per cent convinced of my team and looking forward to the next games. We turn the page on the two games, but we have to improve. The positive thing is that Rashford and Pedri are back and Gavi is getting better.”
At Bara, Lamine Yamal is the only player observing Ramadan
Pedri
“He been training with the group and is a very important player for us. He is a different leader, thanks to his quality. He can be one of those leaders in the future of this club.”
We turn the page on the two games, but we have to improve
Gavi
“Step by step. In this situation it is very important to manage it step by step. In addition, he always gets very involved and, with the ball, almost always makes the best decisions. He enjoys playing football, not only because of his mentality, but also because of his technique and quality. I hope he will be back very soon. But, step by step. We will work every day. Everyone who is helping him is doing a fantastic job.”
The president has not been at the last two games and we have lost them…
Flick
“I’m very focused. In this situation, after these two days of pause, we have been able to think and reflect and this is a very good opportunity to see what level the team is at and how it has improved. Now we have home games, the fans are going to support us and we have to give everything. Sometimes you need to score one or two goals to gain confidence. Tomorrow will not be easy. Levante are going to defend very well and we hope we can transition well, but it’s a home game, in front of our fans and we’re in a good moment.”
Election
“This decision has been made and it’s not my job to make any comment. It doesn’t affect the team. We always focus on what we do. The president has not been in the last two games and we have lost them… (laughs).
Penalty shootout
“Missing penalties is not good with our quality. The one who feels the most eager is the one who should take it. We haven’t talked about it with the players.”
We have to act as a team and always be well connected and that is something we have lost in the last few games; we have not had activity with and without the ball; we need more intensity and following our philosophy of play
Team problems
“It’s not easy because there are many aspects to deal with: when we play against a team that defends in a low line there is space, you have to defend well at the back if we lose too many balls, when we do not position ourselves well. We have to act as a team and always be well connected and that is something we have lost in the last few games. We have not had activity with and without the ball. We need more intensity and following our philosophy of play.”
