Hansi Flick reassures about Cubarsí's physical condition and avoids talking about discards

FC Barcelona closed their Asian preseason tour with a 'manita' against Daegu FC (0-5). Beyond the good sensations left by the Azulgrana team in the three friendlies in Japan and South Korea, there was a scare at the end of the match in Daegu, starring Pau Cubarsí.

The center-back requested the change in the 88th minute after receiving a strong blow to his left leg. Hansi Flick did not contemplate more changes, but had to use Héctor Fort to finish the match. The '32' occupied the right side, while Eric García moved to the center of the defense to accompany Andreas Christensen.

In the post-match press conference, the coach issued a first reassuring report on the physical condition of the '2'. "He's fine, it was just a blow," explained the German coach. In the next few hours, the defender will be evaluated to rule out an injury to his thigh. The squad will return to Catalonia this Tuesday to close their preseason.

Hansi Flick, satisfied with the squad's performance on the Asian tour

Referring to the overall balance of the Asian tour, Flick assured that, although the preseason is not over yet, he is satisfied with the work done by the squad. The players will have two days off, returning to work on Thursday to prepare for the Joan Gamper Trophy.

"For me, Asia has been a very important part of the preseason and there are ten more days before playing against Mallorca," began the Azulgrana coach. In that sense, he valued the performance of his players on a tour that was close to being suspended.

"It was very important that in each part we could change the eleven. It hasn't been easy because of the weather, but they have done a good job. Now home and two days of recovery. On Thursday, we will continue the preseason," clarified the coach.

The discards, for now, are not a topic of debate for Flick

On the other hand, when asked about the reasons why Iñaki Peña did not play any match on the tour and Héctor Fort could also have stayed on the bench in two of the three matches, if it were not for Cubarsí's blow, Hansi Flick avoided referring to both as fixed discards for the 25/26 season.

"We have 26 players and 4 goalkeepers. We don't have to think beyond that. I'm happy with what I've seen so far," the coach pointed out. Fort played the entire second half against FC Seoul (3-7), while the player from Alicante, along with Marc Bernal, was the only one who did not take the field in the three friendlies. The midfielder, however, has not yet received medical clearance.

In principle, the goalkeeper is aiming to leave with a letter of freedom, probably to Celta. With the right-back, on the other hand, there is nothing defined, but it is clear that, while Eric García continues to count as a substitute for Jules Koundé, he will have almost impossible to play.

Flick, delighted with the versatility of several of his players

Returning to the positive aspects of the Asian tour for Barça, the coach highlighted the versatility of several of his players as a key aspect for the 25/26 season. Among those praised was Marcus Rashford, who made his debut as a scorer in Daegu.

"Rashford can play as a nine, as an eleven... We put him in because Ferran had problems. And with Gerard we have verified if he can adapt to the demarcation of central. It already happened with Eric, who adapted to another position than his usual one and now Gerard. It is good that they can play in several demarcations," argued Flick.