FC Barcelona will once again be without Raphinha and Ferran Torres for matchday 3 of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26. In the press conference prior to the match against Olympiacos, Hansi Flick confirmed that the 'Shark' is still suffering discomfort in his left thigh and the best thing is "not to risk it".

"When he came from the National Team, we did an MRI and saw a different situation. Risks have to be minimized, and for him to play tomorrow would be a risk. We will do another MRI on Thursday and see," he said regarding the '7', who was also unavailable on matchday 9 of LaLiga against Girona.

In that sense, the coach made the technical staff's plan clear for his return and that of the Brazilian winger. "We hope Ferran will be in the Clásico, and Raphinha too. I miss Rafa, he's fantastic... But we have to take care of the players. The situation is difficult. But when everyone is back, the situation will be different," he said regarding the injury absences in the team.

As against Girona, Barça will have 7 absentees due to physical problems, including Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski, in addition to Joan García, Gavi and Ter Stegen. The player from Terrassa could be back in early November, while the '9' and the goalkeeper will be out until mid-next month. The midfielder and the German are not expected back until early 2026.

Hansi Flick opens up about Barça's impact on his career

On the other hand, Hansi Flick was candid about how he has been dealing with the last few weeks at Can Barça. The coach admitted to having had trouble controlling his emotions when recalling his expulsion against Girona last Saturday.

At Bayern and with the German national team, the coach wasn't usually too expressive. Now, the man from Heidelberg has been somewhat more nervous than usual on the bench. "I don't like seeing myself on television or my grandson seeing me doing this, maybe I should change my behavior," commented the Barça coach.

In that sense, he declined to speak about the red card against Girona and send any extra complaint towards the Spanish arbitration. On the contrary, he took the opportunity to reiterate his commitment and love for a Barcelona with which he feels totally identified.

"Now I have other emotions and this club has changed me. I love Barcelona and the city. I want to give everything. I live for the club."

Barça's Current Situation and How to Avoid a Misstep Against Olympiacos

Regarding the match against Olympiacos, Flick is clear that the team must correct the errors of the last matches to minimize risks against a rival that, although it does not score too many goals, knows well how to take advantage of spaces and do damage on the counterattack.

"You only have to see the match against Arsenal (they lost 2-0 in London), where they had many chances. We have to be attentive to these situations, they have good players and a clear idea of how to play, we have to be careful with them."

The team led by José Luis Mendilibar has only 1 point out of a possible 6 in the Champions League, with no goals scored in the first two matchdays. However, in their league, they started the season with 5 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss, totaling one point less (16) than the leader PAOK (17).

Regarding Barcelona's current situation, Flick acknowledges that the team is going through a difficult time due to injuries, but he is also clear about the failures to correct in order to stop suffering in defense. The "culés" have conceded goals in 5 consecutive matches (9) and 2 of them ended in defeat (against PSG and Sevilla).

For Flick, the key lies not only in the physical aspect or the intensity to press. It is also essential to correct positioning with and without the ball, "to be well-positioned, regarding the distance with the opponent...". Tactical aspects that make a difference against the offensive scheme that Barça usually implements with such high lines and presence in the opponent's half.

"If you're too far away, you lose because you have to run and you give the opponent time... That kills us on defense"

Possible variations with Rashford and Bardghji

Given the absences of Ferran Torres and Raphinha, Hansi Flick does not rule out including Roony Bardghji in the starting XI against Olympiacos. Toni Fernández started as a '9' against Girona, while the Swede accumulated good minutes in the second half.

"We're considering switching his position. I don't know if he'll be a starter or on the bench... we need to find balance," he said regarding Roony. This, given the option of placing Marcus Rashford as a reference in the area.

"It's a good option, for him to play as a '9', but also as an '11'. When we thought about him, we knew he was versatile. He has improved a lot. He has many positive things," he said about the Englishman, who has participated in the 3 goals scored by Barça in the current Champions League.