Flick Focuses on Dani Olmo’s Recovery
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has been emphasizing the importance of getting Dani Olmo back to his best form. Olmo, a standout signing for the Blaugrana, has struggled with consistency in the starting line-up over the past few months. Flick is personally overseeing Olmo’s recovery, recognizing the player’s potential and the critical role he can play in the team’s upcoming challenges. With a packed and difficult schedule on the horizon, including a high-stakes Champions League match against Benfica, Flick is confident that Olmo will get ample opportunities to showcase his talents. "It’s a complicated match," Flick told the press, acknowledging the strength of Benfica, a team they previously faced in the group stage. "In this round of the Champions League, there is no easy opponent. It will be a tough tie."
Preparing for the Benfica Clash
Flick remains cautious about looking too far ahead. When asked about the possibility of a Clasico final in the Champions League or a potential treble run, he emphasized the need to focus on the immediate task at hand. "First, we have to get to the final. I don’t care about the rival. It’s a long road. First, we have Benfica, which is a great team." The German coach is acutely aware of the quality of the opposition and the challenges that lie ahead. "It is not easy; it is a very difficult path. We are going to give our best, but when you see the quality of other teams, it is impressive. It’s good to have these top-level matches; it’s competition. We play football for that reason."
Squad Rotation and Future Speculation
The past week has seen a flurry of speculation around the future of Vitor Roque, particularly with Palmeiras showing interest in the Brazilian. However, Flick deflected these questions, stating, "It’s not my job. If anything changes, it’s Deco’s job." Flick has been consistent in his approach to squad rotation, generally opting to field his strongest team. "We have one more training session today and we will decide later. We always focus on the next game, but we also have to think about Atlético. The important game is Las Palmas." Flick’s strategy is to balance the immediate needs of the team with long-term planning, ensuring that his players are in optimal condition for the crucial matches ahead.
Physical Condition and Injury Management
Flick is pleased with the overall physical condition of his team, but he is also mindful of the upcoming national team break and the additional strain it may put on his players. "The team is at a good physical level, but we also have to think about the next games. There is the national team break, and our players are also playing. It is part of our job to know what the players can give us. I am happy with what I see; there are players at the highest level." Despite the team’s overall health, Flick acknowledges that a few players, including Olmo and Andreas Christensen, have been struggling with injuries this season. "We are working on it. Last season, he already had some injuries. We are working individually with him," Flick added, highlighting the personalized approach to injury management.
Facing Las Palmas
Barcelona’s immediate challenge is a trip to Las Palmas, a team that has been performing better than their current table position suggests. Flick had a special word for Las Palmas’ captain, Kirian Rodriguez, who is taking a career break to battle cancer for the second time. "They are better than what the table reflects. They have many injured players. We all think about Kirian; he is in a complicated situation. We give him and his family all the support. Health is the most important thing." This compassionate gesture underscores the human side of football and the importance of supporting players through tough times, both on and off the pitch.
Refereeing Controversies and Responsibility
The press conference also saw Flick addressing the ongoing refereeing controversies in Spanish football. He called for the Federation to provide more protection to officials and urged managers and players to take more responsibility for their criticisms. "We need to create a more respectful environment. Referees are part of the game, and their job is not easy. We should all work together to improve the overall standards." Flick’s comments reflect a broader desire to promote fairness and sportsmanship in football, emphasizing the collective effort required to achieve these goals. As Barcelona prepares for their upcoming matches, Flick’s leadership and focus on both the tactical and human aspects of the game are key to their success.
