Flick confirms Pedri's absence against Villarreal and reveals the key to his renewal with Barça

FC Barcelona visits Villarreal this Sunday at the Estadio de La Cerámica (16:15 CEST) in the last official match of 2025. Prior to the match corresponding to matchday 17 of LaLiga, which was initially scheduled to be played in Miami, Hansi Flick analyzed the team's current situation, in addition to confirming the absence, as a precaution, of Pedri González.

The midfielder suffered discomfort in his left calf after the Copa del Rey match against Guadalajara and, finally, will not be available in Castellón, just like Dani Olmo, Gavi, and Ronald Araujo, the latter for personal reasons

"It's nothing dangerous, but we have to take care of it, we have to treat it. We won't take risks with a hamstring injury. He'll be back for Espanyol and the Super Cup, we need Pedri in January," argued the Barça coach.

The '8' was already out for a month due to a hamstring injury in November and, so far in 25/26, he has scored 2 goals and provided 6 assists in 19 matches (1,459 minutes). Against Villarreal, it is likely that Frenkie de Jong and Fermín López will complete the midfield alongside Eric García due to the Canary Islander's absence.

Regarding the 'Yellow Submarine', which comes from a surprising Copa del Rey KO against Racing (2-1), Flick is clear about the difficulty posed by Marcelino's team. "They have a clear philosophy of play, direct football, good style... I congratulate the coach and the team. They have improved a lot and are doing very well."

Flick values his first year and a half in Barcelona and 'opens up' about his future

Likewise, Hansi Flick took advantage of the second-to-last press conference of the year to review the results obtained in 2025, as well as in the first year and a half of his tenure at Barcelona. Although he missed out on the Champions League to cap off a perfect year, the German has no doubts about the importance of the successes achieved.

"It has been the most incredible and successful year for me... My life here is fantastic. But now we have to talk about the future so that it continues to be good. We have set goals and last year's titles are fantastic, but we have to look forward," expressed the man from Heidelberg.

In this regard, when asked about his possible renewal, Flick made clear the good relationship he maintains with the board, his staff, and the squad, as well as the weight that the club's upcoming elections could have on his continuity.

"It's important to have confidence, and we feel it. We'll see what happens after the elections. It's great to be here for a year and a half, but this is affected by the president's decision," he said regarding Joan Laporta's future at the helm of the club.

"I like to keep working here, but we have to take responsibility for how we play and for the titles. I hope to guarantee success next year"

Hansi Flick, incredulous about Raphinha's absence from FIFA's ideal XI

On the other hand, Hansi Flick referred to Raphinha's absence from the FIFA 2025 Ideal XI, announced during the The Best awards ceremony. For the manager, it's a bad joke that the Brazilian hasn't received recognition after his great 24/25 season"Raphinha's influence on the team was incredible. We see his goals, his games, his assists... it was incredible... and it's a joke that he's not in the ideal XI. It's not fair and I have to say it. I don't believe it," commented the German coach.Likewise, Flick valued the contribution to the squad of Frenkie de Jong and Marc Casadó, although both have lost prominence in the XI in recent weeks. Especially the '17', who even had to try his luck as a right-back to return to the lineup

"Eric played as a defensive midfielder, Frenkie understands... he wants to play, but he is an outstanding and important footballer. It's good to have players who raise the quality level. You need quality and competition. Everyone is ready and willing," he explained regarding De Jong.

And, about Casadó, he added: "I think he can play on the right, as a full-back, but he's more of a 6 or an 8. He's not very happy with the minutes he's getting, but this is Barça, a team with good players and everyone wants to play."In addition, Flick confirmed the return of **Robert Lewandowski** against Villarreal. The Pole was sidelined for the last two matches, but will be available at La Cerámica, either as a starter or a substitute

"If someone isn't playing, I talk to the player. I give them the reasons why they aren't getting minutes. Or the players come to talk to me. My door is open, but the team must play as a true team"