Barcelona, May 2, 2025 – FC Barcelona coach, Hansi Flick, appeared this Friday before the media in the preview of the LaLiga match against Real Valladolid, corresponding to matchday 34.

The German coach announced rotations in the starting eleven thinking about the first "final" in the Champions League against Inter Milan and confirmed the return of Ter Stegen. He also valued the importance of Lamine Yamal and finished by reviewing the latest news on the physical condition of Balde and Lewandowski.

Ter Stegen returns to the starting eleven Seven months later!

Flick announced the great news of Marc-André ter Stegen's return to the starting lineup against Real Valladolid after seven months out due to an injury to the patellar tendon of his right knee: “Marc is on the right track, with fantastic training sessions, he is at a good level and I don't plan to change anything. He will play against Valladolid,” the coach stated, clearing any doubts about the Barça goal and highlighting the goalkeeper's good level in recent training sessions.

“Marc is on the right track, with fantastic training sessions, he is at a good level and I don't plan to change anything. He will play against Valladolid”

Rotations in the XI against Valladolid thinking about the Champions League

The German coach pointed out that, due to the demanding schedule and the proximity of the return leg of the Champions League semi-finals, he will make rotations in the starting eleven. "We have important weeks and days now. The last weeks of the season are very important. We have to take that into account and we will have to make rotations," he explained.

Flick acknowledged that he is considering giving rest to several of his key players, thinking about the crucial match against Inter Milan. “As a coach, you have to think about the next matches, but I live in the present. Tomorrow there is a match that must be played and won," he explained, hinting that the lineup could present important novelties.

"If there is something special that affects the next match, I will make changes. I have seven or eight decided, not all of them"

Importance of maintaining concentration in LaLiga

Despite the fact that Valladolid has already been mathematically relegated, Flick warned about the need not to underestimate the rival. "You can lose LaLiga on days like this. We have the experience of what happened to us against Leganés, Las Palmas... LaLiga is won throughout a year and we cannot throw away what has been done," commented the coach, underlining the importance of facing each match with the utmost seriousness and avoiding any overconfidence.

“For Valladolid it is great to play against Barça, they can show that they are good"

Praise and advice from Hansi Flick for Lamine Yamal

Flick also referred to the fashionable player in Spanish and world football, Lamine Yamal, praising his performance but urging him to maintain humility and constant work. The Barça coach recognized Lamine Yamal's spectacular performance this season, but asked for calm:

“Lamine has talent and is a genius, but you have to work hard. To reach the level of Ronaldo or Messi you have to remain calm and see what happens”

Physical condition of Balde and Lewandowski Will they arrive for the duel against Inter?

Regarding the recovery of the injured Alejandro Balde and Robert Lewandowski, the coach indicated that both players are in the recovery process and that their evolution is positive, although he did not want to confirm the dates for their return.

However, Flick was optimistic, especially with the return of the Polish striker: “Lewandowski is evolving very well, better than we expected. Maybe he can return on Tuesday for the semi-final against Inter Milan.

Regarding the condition of Alejandro Balde he was also optimistic, but not so much about a possible imminent return: "Balde is also on the right track, but we cannot risk it," he pointed out, underlining the importance of having both for the final stretch of the season.

"Lewandowski may be able to return on Tuesday for the semi-final in Milan. Balde is also on the right track, but we cannot risk it"

Concern at Barça about goals conceded from set pieces

Flick acknowledged that the team must improve in defending set pieces, pointing out that it is not only a matter of height, but also of individual responsibility in marking:

“We can defend better, it's not just the height, it's how you block and face the situation. Against teams like Inter it is difficult, but the most important thing is to take responsibility in one-on-one situations”

Full press conference of Hansi Flick (05/02/2025 - Valladolid vs Barcelona Preview)