Hansi Flick has spoken out about the absence of Lamine Yamal in Barcelona 's last training session before facing Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey, but has indicated that it is "positive" for him to arrive, although "we have to wait." The Barcelona coach also wanted to take a jab at Tebas for the change of time of the League match, which gives them less rest ahead of the Champions League, while he has valued the presence of Olmo in the start against the rojiblancos, as well as the moment in which Simeone's men arrive.
The main doubt is Lamine Yamal, after the injury to his foot prevented him from training on Monday. His presence in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals is in doubt, but the coach has indicated that he believes that "he will be able to play." "We have to wait and evaluate but I have positive feelings ," he revealed.
The one who seems likely to be there, after being key against Las Palmas coming off the bench, is Dani Olmo: «I think so, he is ready to start and play 90 minutes . For me, the most important thing is that he can start from the beginning, we have to take care of him and that is what we have been doing. The goal he scored against Las Palmas was very important.»
The former Leipzig player has become one of the day's protagonists after Javier Tebas spoke about him and said that he should not finish the League, since the CSD should resolve the precautionary measure and deny his registration. Flick spoke about this, pointing out that "he can play now and that's what counts ." "We'll see what happens. I'm always surprised by some of the things that happen in Spain and in relation to Barça."
Referees and the relationship with the League
Flick also spoke about the referees, after several weeks in which the controversies have focused on the refereeing and, in this case, have favoured Barcelona: «I wouldn't say that the referees should protect a specific player, all of them. The VAR should look at hard tackles to show red cards to avoid these actions. We have to protect the players if there is a foul. It also happened to us with Dani and Casadó. There should be more sensitivity in this regard. If they see a yellow card, the defenders might think twice before committing another foul. In Spain, one-on-one is very popular, it is a special characteristic, also in Barcelona, the fans like it a lot and we must take care of it.»
One of the things that has been most annoying and that is not understood by the Barça fans is the change of schedule in the League before facing Benfica. The League moved the match from Saturday to Sunday, thus harming the interests of the club: "From what I have heard, I don't know if I am sure, Benfica has also had their match cancelled and will have a week to prepare for the match . The League could change the schedule, but it is not in our hands. In Germany we could talk to the Federation, here too, I hope that things can be improved for the future."
Flick on Atlético
Regarding Atlético, Flick has said that it will have nothing to do with the league match. "It's a new match, we're starting from scratch again. They are a great team, they've invested a lot, they have the best defence and incredible players in attack. It will be a tough match," he said.
He stressed that they were able to draw positive lessons from that occasion, despite the last-minute defeat: " The positive thing we learned is that we can play very good football, we showed a very high level. We could have scored one or two more goals. When we have opportunities, we have to score. In a match, what matters is scoring more than the opponent."
