FC Barcelona faces Getafe this Sunday (21:00 CEST) for matchday 5 of LaLiga 2025/26. With only 72 hours of rest, after the Champions League debut in Newcastle, Hansi Flick anticipated rotations in his lineup, in addition to ruling out a change in the execution of the Barça game due to the defensive style of the 'Azulón' team.
"I care about my team. The most important thing is that we have trained well. It is important to have fresh legs on the field", Flick anticipated. In that sense, the coach makes clear his intention to make several tweaks in his lineup, especially in defense. Pau Cubarsí finished touched against Newcastle, although the coach ruled out an injury.
"We'll see if he's there tomorrow. But he will be an option, on the bench or from the start", he said regarding the center-back. Similarly, the German preferred not to delve into the exchange of statements with José Bordalás. After the draw in Madrid in January (1-1), there was friction between them in the press conferences. "Everyone has their opinion and is free to say what they want", Flick said regarding the Spanish coach.
Hansi Flick ratifies opinion on the Ballon d'Or and Lamine Yamal
On the other hand, the Barcelona coach was asked about the Ballon d'Or 2025. 'France Football' will present the award this Monday 22nd in Paris, in a gala to which Lamine Yamal arrives as a great candidate. Hansi preferred not to fall into favoritism, but he did make clear his opinion regarding the award.
"I don't know. I think Lamine will receive this trophy although I don't know if now, but being there is having respect. Anyone who receives it deserves it", began the Heidelberg native. Immediately afterwards, he left a 'dart' to Real Madrid and their controversy with the organization of the award.
"You have to go, enjoy it, show respect to the winners. That is of vital importance". In 2024, the 'Casa Blanca' canceled the trip of its delegation after the triumph of Rodri Hernández over Vinicius was leaked.
This year, beyond whether Lamine wins the Ballon d'Or or not, Barça confirmed that three first-team players, including the '10' culé and other eight Femení players will be in Paris together with Joan Laporta and other members of the board.
The evolution of the injured players of Barça
Prior to the clash against Getafe, Hansi Flick also spoke about the physical condition of the last three players to join the culé infirmary. Yamal and Gavi are the most worrying cases, since their return date is not yet specified. Alejandro Balde, on the other hand, is much closer to returning.
"We are working on it. In the case of Lamine we have to go day by day. With Balde we know his situation. Lamine day by day, he works hard, every day he receives treatment and he is progressing well", explained the coach. The idea is to have the Mataró native for the clash against PSG, as long as he overcomes the pubalgia that worsened after the international break.
With Álex, everything points to the fact that the left thigh has evolved well and he should receive medical discharge this week. In the case of Gavi, the conservative treatment also seems to give good results to, for now, avoid an arthroscopy.
"We are going to wait a couple more days, at the beginning of next week, to see how it evolves and the decision that is made", added Flick regarding the problems in the Andalusian's right knee. The '6' has missed the last two league matches and the debut in the Champions League.
"We have to be focused on each match. The important thing is to do our job well, give everything, one hundred percent and I will give my best for this team"
Flick explains the management of Dani Olmo and Rashford's minutes
Similarly, the Barcelona coach spoke about the management of minutes in the squad, specifically of Dani Olmo and Marcus Rashford. The Terrassa native has been somewhat relegated, while the Englishman is having a great moment after being the MVP against Newcastle.
"Some players are not entirely happy with the situation, but it is about the team. If they play they have to show how good they are and I fully trust them. It is their job. The most important thing is the team", he argued when referring to Olmo. Dani has only been a starter against Rayo, a match where he was far from his best version.
And, regarding Rashford, he praised again his adaptation and attitude. "I think he has returned at the right time. I said it before and after the match, I believe in his quality, but one has to work hard, always. Every day you have to improve and keep learning. And I am going to keep pushing him and tightening".
"We have 25 players in the team and we have to make decisions always. We have just started the season and each player is important and we need each one"