Flick analyzes Barça before Valencia: Lamine, De Jong, Gavi and more

Hansi Flick offered this Saturday the press conference prior to the match between Fútbol Club Barcelona and Valencia CF, corresponding to matchday 4 of LaLiga EA Sports 2025/26. The German coach addressed the state of his squad at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, the scene of the clash, and spoke frankly about several proper names and current issues of the azulgrana.

Valencia and the challenge of playing at the Johan Cruyff

Flick recognized the value of Valencia as a rival and stressed that playing at the Johan Cruyff is a challenge for both the team and the fans. "It's a different stadium, but we must make it our own. I trust that the fans will push us and generate a competitive atmosphere," he said.

"I think the coach did a fantastic job last year. He stabilized the block. He adapts to the rival. He has new players."

"It doesn't affect us. We know the situation of the stadium. I spoke with the president, and he explained how everything was. I have the necessary confidence and this will not affect the team. We have to win, no excuses."

"And we have incredible fans and I love working for this club. Nothing has changed. This season will be harder, but we keep fighting. We have to fight to add the three points."

Small field

"I spoke with the players, with the captain... and they have told me that it will not affect them. When we play at the Camp Nou with 105,000 spectators, things will change. But, as I said, this is not an excuse. I can't excuse myself on this, Valencia also plays here. We already played against Como and won."

Lamine Yamal, between cotton wool

The coach confirmed that Lamine Yamal continues with discomfort in the pubis and will be out. "We are going to assess his evolution, but the most important thing is that he does not take risks. He is a key player and we want him to be well in the long term," he said.

"He has discomfort in the pubis. It is not in the back, it is in the pubis. He has had tests and will not be available against Valencia and is doubtful against Newcastle."

The young striker had already set off the alarms by absenting himself from morning training, and his availability against Valencia depended on the sensations prior to the match.

Thiago Alcântara, Araujo and Raphinha

Asked about the return of Thiago Alcântara, Flick celebrated that he finally accepted the proposal and valued everything he can contribute to the culé squad this season:

"I'm happy that he's back. We're all happy. It wasn't easy to convince him. Julio has helped a lot. He brings experience. He will be one more of the coaching staff, the young people listen to him carefully. He will be one more piece of the puzzle to achieve success."

Regarding the state of Raphinha and Ronald Araujo, the German insisted that he has seen them well: "I think he is fine, and Ronald Araujo too. Both are at a very good level."

The situation of Gavi, De Jong and Bernal

The German coach also offered details on the evolution of the injured players. Gavi continues with his recovery process, while Frenkie de Jong is progressing adequately and could reappear soon. "We are being cautious, we do not want to rush the deadlines," he assured.

Gavi

"He can be the heart of the team, he gives everything on the field, and for the club. I was afraid of the situation, after the great injury he had. I think he should only work hard and see how he evolves."

"We'll see. We don't have to pressure him. He must return and be in shape and be convinced that he is well. We need him with confidence with his knee."

De Jong and Marc Bernal

As for Marc Bernal, Flick was optimistic: "He is working with a lot of strength and motivation. He has qualities that can help us a lot when he returns to compete."

"Frenkie will not be available. But Bernal will be on the bench. The next step is for him to be available. I want to see him on the field. For him tomorrow will be exciting and we must take care of him."

The ego of the players and the management of the dressing room

One of the most striking points of the appearance was his reflection on the ego in the dressing room. "Elite players have ambition and that is positive, but you also have to know how to think about the team. My task is to balance those energies so that the collective always prevails over the individual," Flick commented.

"In these three games away from home we have not seen the team as I would like, but I like the quality of the players. It is about attitude. The most important thing is the team, not a player, Pedri, Rapha, Lamine... Everyone has to think about what they can contribute."

"For me, there are things that happen, on the field or in the dressing room... but they are things of my job that I must solve. I want everyone to focus on the good of the team. They know what needs to be done."

"The difference between the good and the excellent is that everyone is in the right position. Everyone occupies the right position, presses... and if you think that you only give 50 or 60 it is not enough, and I want to tell them that. People deserve one hundred percent of each player, because that, in addition, made us win titles."

A Barça under construction

With all these unknowns, Flick faces the clash against Valencia with the aim of continuing to consolidate his project. The coach emphasized that the season is long and that he needs all his players to maintain the pace in LaLiga and in the Champions League. "Each match is an opportunity to grow and show the identity of the Barça that we want to build," he concluded.

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