Confirmed rotations and goalkeeping in doubt: Hansi Flick's plan against Valencia

After more than a month, the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys will host a LaLiga match again this Sunday. FC Barcelona will host Valencia in a crucial match to get back into the title race, and ahead of the match, Hansi Flick addressed the media in a press conference and, in addition to confirming changes in his lineup, reignited the debate about the goalkeeping position.

The German began his appearance discussing the clash against the Valencia team, stating that "I hope we play well. Valencia has stabilized their defense and they know how to play football. It’s a difficult match for us because we will have to create play to build chances and thus score goals to win the match".

Regarding the contrast between the team in LaLiga and the Champions League, where they have only lost one match, Flick stated that "we can think that in the league we have lost many points. In Getafe it was our fault. But it doesn’t have to do with Getafe, it has to do with us, that we were not concentrated enough. And that is what I expect from the team in upcoming matches".

On the other hand, despite already being directly qualified for the Champions League round of 16, the coach made it clear that he will not hold back in any competition. "For me, it is important that we stay focused on the match and win it. We always concentrate on the next match and that is what we will do this time as well. We will think about whether there are players who need to rest this Sunday and we will see what happens against Atalanta. Every match, especially at home for our fans, is important for us," he stated.

Possible changes in the XI and doubts in goal

One of the main doubts for the team is in goal, where Iñaki Peña and Wojciech Szczesny are battling for the starting position. When asked who will be in goal against Valencia, Flick played coy, commenting that "you will have to wait until this Sunday...", and despite the press's insistence, the German maintained his stance in subsequent follow-up questions. "I say the same. We will have to wait until this Sunday. Today I have decided not to talk about the starting eleven," the coach limited himself to saying.

"We need a fresh team for tomorrow. There will be some changes, but we will see"

The German was also questioned about the possible starting position of Pedri, who has been starting several matches. "For now, Pedri is doing well. He is in shape and at one hundred percent. I explained it in one of the last press conferences," he stated.

"We have changed our philosophy a bit compared to last season. We make him play because it is doing him good. It is clear that we take care of him, but if he can play, he plays. We need a fresh team for tomorrow. There will be some changes, but we will see," added the German, revealing that there will be rotations on Sunday.

Renewals and possible exclusions from Barça

When asked about the situation of Andreas Christensen in the squad, Flick stated that "of course I have spoken with him. He was coming back from a long injury, now he is back. He is training well but there are players who are currently ahead. We also know his quality. When he is at one hundred percent, we will see what happens".

Regarding the lack of minutes for Pau Víctor, the Barça coach stated that "I think we also have to consider the situation he comes from. Last year he played in the reserve team and had a good preseason, but every match is difficult. It’s not easy to always put everyone in and have everyone get minutes. But he is doing well. And the important thing is that he scores goals and that is what he does in training".

Finally, the German praised Deco and his staff for the great work they are doing with the renewals of key players in the team such as Pedri, Ronald Araujo, and soon Gavi. "Deco and the club are doing a very good job. Deco talks to the players and I like how the team is being managed," he concluded.