Flick anticipates Joan García's starting position and Cancelo's debut against Racing

FC Barcelona visits Racing de Santander this Thursday at El Sardinero (9:00 PM CEST) for the round of 16 of the 2025/26 Copa del Rey, a match that could seal Marc-André ter Stegen's future at the Blaugrana club. The '1' started in the round of 32 tie against Guadalajara (0-2), but his place for the rest of the tournament is far from guaranteed.

In fact, at the press conference prior to the visit to El Sardinero, Hansi Flick hinted at the possibility of seeing Joan García between the posts this Thursday. A surprising decision, as the second goalkeeper usually plays in the Copa del Rey with Barça. In that case, the doubt would be between **Ter Stegen** and **Wojciech Szczesny**, but the manager does not want to take risks or leave room for debate

"I think Joan will play, but we'll see tomorrow," Flick said about the goal against Racing. García is in exceptional form, having recorded four clean sheets in his last five games, as well as standout performances in the derby against Espanyol (0-2) and the Super Cup Clásico against Real Madrid (3-2).

If Sallent's ownership is confirmed for the rest of the tournament, it would be the definitive sentence for a Ter Stegen who needs to play regularly. The German has an offer from Girona to go on loan this month, an option that would gain more strength after the Copa del Rey round of 16.

"With Joan García in goal, I'm happy, he's there to save whatever comes his way"

Joao Cancelo could debut this Thursday against Racing

On the other hand, Flick also referred to the arrival of **Joao Cancelo** in Barcelona. The Portuguese player was presented on Tuesday and has already completed his first training session with the team. Although he hasn't played since December 22nd, the full-back is in shape and ready to debut as soon as the coaching staff decides.

"He could play a few minutes. It's something we have in mind," he said regarding the Portuguese international. Cancelo has not yet been registered in the league, but he has a federation license to play in the Cup. Regarding the rotations to face Racing, the German coach gave no clues about the defensive setup, where a rest day is expected for some players.

"We have to decide, and in the defensive line, with Cubarsí, Eric, Gerard, Ronald..., we are doing things well. Gerard can also play in different positions, and Eric. He can give us quality and a lot in attack too, in the final third to overcome the opponent. He is a very good option," he assured about the player from Martorell.

In addition, he added regarding Araujo: "There are tired players. There are 24 hours to think about it. Ronald has trained well and could play some minutes without any problems." The '4' came on at the end against Real Madrid, which was his first appearance since November 25 (Chelsea).

"Racing will want to beat us and they played very well against Villarreal, who are third. We have to play at our best level"

Barça's Great Moment After the Super Cup

Ahead of the Copa round of 16 tie, Barça arrives at its best moment of the season, with ten consecutive victories, eight of them by a margin of two or more goals. In this regard, Hansi Flick reiterated his satisfaction with the group's progress and his players' competitive mentality.

"It's about winning, football is like that, especially at a big club like this. But the feeling is that we work together and this is like a family," explained the man from Heidelberg.

Regarding Racing, who arrives as the leader of La Liga Hypermotion (Second Division), he expects a great atmosphere and a tough opponent at El Sardinero. "Everyone will be motivated. **It's a young, brave team that plays well... There will be excitement in the stadium to receive us**. This is the Cup. We have to be ready from the start," Flick pointed out

"We talk about family, the children come, the sisters, the parents... what we have built is special. I feel it like a family, and in Arabia I felt it."

Flick's message for Xabi Alonso

Likewise, the manager was asked about Xabi Alonso's departure from Real Madrid. Flick considers the Tolosarra a "fantastic coach," with whom he had been in contact since his time at Bayer Leverkusen.

"This is football. It's not a topic that worries me. I wish him the best. We have to move forward and think about what and how to improve. But he is a fantastic coach and I'm sure he has a great future," said the Barça coach about the now former 'merengue' coach.

Furthermore, regarding Madrid's decision to change coaches mid-season, Flick understands that "it's football and we can't change these situations. The club and the team must trust you. But I don't want to talk about Real Madrid."Finally, regarding the arrival of Álvaro Arbeloa to the white bench, he commented: "When we play against them, I will be able to analyze it. I will have time to do so."

"The coach's job is very difficult, we take on a lot of responsibility... But it's part of our job"