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The action does not stop for FC Barcelona, as just three days after winning the Spanish Super Cup, they will face Real Betis in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey in Montjuic.
After comfortably beating UD Barbastro in the previous round, the blaugrana He also hopes to make the work of Manuel Pellegrini’s team easier to continue progressing in the cup competition.
On the eve of the match, coach Hansi Flick attended the usual press conference, in which he addressed, among other things, speculation about Ronald Araujo’s future.
About the Real Betis match, victory in the Super Cup
To begin with, Flick referred to the match against Betis, which had tied them in the League, and said:
“The important thing is that after winning the Spanish Super Cup we have to show that we can beat Betis.”
Speaking about the victory against Real Madrid in the Super Cup final, Flick explained: “I really liked how we played against Madrid. It has to give us confidence. This season is not easy. We have to prove it.
“The most important thing is that all the players know it. That is the attitude we have to have: work as a team. I’ve always said that. It is crucial.”
On whether the victory against Real Madrid meant something more than a trophy, he added: “The match against Madrid was a great victory because it was a final, because it was The Classicfor the result… we feel proud for the club, for the fans….
“But in the end, we have to continue to prove it.”
Flick again insisted that the team must perform again tomorrow to show that it was not a one-off, saying:
“We have to prove it tomorrow. It is very important that we have the same performance and focus. We are ready to win this game. In every pass, in every situation, we have to be perfect.
“This is the essence of the team. We are facing a very good team and we have to show it.”
About Araujo, Ansu and the squad
The conversation quickly turned to Araujo and his future and whether the Uruguayan had told the club that he wanted to leave. Addressing the matter, the manager said:
“I am not going to reveal the conversations I have had with him. It’s a shame about Íñigo’s injury, it’s a very important loss. After four weeks you will be able to return.
“Against Madrid we saw that Araujo is back, his performance was very good. He is one of the best centre-backs in the world. He showed it on Sunday and I am very happy.”
Next, the Barça coach delved into the situation of Ansu Fati, absent from the matchday squad for the last two games, and confirmed the return date of Andreas Christensen.
“I am very happy with all the players on the team. It’s football. Íñigo, Bernal and Ter Stegen are injured. Christensen will return on Saturday. That is what is important to me.” said.
“I am honest with all the players. I have spoken with Ansu about his situation. When I arrived at Barça I said that Ansu was doing very well and that he was working very hard, but the problems after his first injury… have meant that he has never been able to show his 100%.” he added.
“When we arrived we were convinced that he could return, but, for now, he will have to work, like everyone else, to return and give his best.”
Regarding the possibility of signings in January, Flick stated: “I talk to Deco every day. “I am happy with my team.”
Regarding the situation of the goalkeepers and if something has changed after the recent performances of Wojciech Szczesny, the coach responded:
“Nothing has changed for me. We saw Szczesny with a great performance, it’s good to see him after his retirement. He’s giving it his all. He has an incredible mentality. He helps the entire squad a lot, even the other goalkeepers.
“It’s good to see that he can play at this level. I am very happy. Iñaki, being under pressure and seeing him so strong gives us confidence. “He has been improving his performances in each game.”
About Laporta’s press conference
Regarding Joan Laporta’s press conference today, where he thanked Flick and the others for their patience with the Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor discharge saga, the coach said:
“I have confidence and believe in the club. There was nothing we could change, we had to stick to the training. After returning from vacation, our attention has been focused on the games. We have to prove it again tomorrow.”
Discussing Laporta’s comments about outside agents trying to destabilize the team and the club, Flick insisted that the focus must remain on matters on the field for him and his players.
“We are focused on our work. We have to focus on what we can change. I can’t concentrate on what’s happening at the club. The club is like a big family. I only have good words for my players, the relationship is very good.” commented the German.
He then added: “We are very proud that they believed in my team to lead this team. Our job is to see how everything works and how it moves forward. In this semester we have all shown that the most important thing is that we are being successful.
“We are working to win titles, as we did on Sunday. I can feel it in every training session. Everyone in the club accepts their role. It’s great to see, it’s not easy.
“When you win titles it is something that reflects, but you also have to continue proving it day by day. Tomorrow is an opportunity to do it.”
Regarding the registration of Olmo and Víctor, he added: “Laporta’s explanations convince me.”
Regarding whether he is thinking about renewing his contract at Barcelona, the German stated: “I haven’t thought about that. Things happen very fast in Barcelona. I feel very good. I want to work at Barça, I have a year and a half contract. Now I have to focus on training.”
Source: AS
