Barcelona players must learn to win without Yamal, says Flick

Lamine Yamal will miss this Saturday's match between Celta Vigo and Barcelona. Celta coach Hansi Flick confirmed the absence of the Spanish international at Balaidos.

"Against Real Sociedad we didn't play very well and it wasn't because of Lamine's absence. For us, he is a very important player, but we have options to play. On Saturday he won't be able to play, we don't know when he will be able to play. We want him to be back to 100 per cent," he said.

Due to the absence of the Spanish international, Flick was asked about a possible change of system: "Maybe we are a bit limited by the absence of Lamine, but we have a lot of players with great quality and they can play in different positions. We will see what we will need and we will design the game plan."

Flick would not be drawn on a potential replacement for Yamal, after using Fermin Lopez on the right flank to limited effect at Real Sociedad. "It could be Raphinha, it could be Dani (Olmo), Fermin, Pablo (Torre) or Pau (Victor), we have different options," added the coach.

Barcelona return to La Liga after losing their opening game, a defeat marked by the disallowed goal to Lewandowski. "It was not a big issue. Sometimes it's good to receive an explanation from La Liga or the Federation, but, in the end, we are all human and these are things that happen. We are looking forward to the next game."

Flick also spoke about both Christensen and Araujo: "Christensen had major surgery, but it was minor. Hopefully he will be back sooner. I think Araujo will be back on Sunday. Not 100 per cent in training, but we'll be able to bring him in."

"Gavi can start from the beginning. When I ask him, he says he can play in any position. It's not a problem for me. In all positions he gives his best," Flick explained.

Asked about Marc Casado's international debut, he said he was "very happy to see how he played". "He played the same as he does here. He is doing very well, he has to continue on this path," he added.

 

November 22, 2024