Having develop into the leaders of La Liga, FC Barcelona will probably be aiming to open up a lead on the high once they tackle Las Palmas away at Gran Canaria on Saturday night time.
The Blaugrana moved to the highest of the desk, forward of Actual Madrid on objective distinction, after defeating Rayo Vallecano 1-0 this previous Monday.
With Los Blancos not in motion till Sunday, Barça have an important likelihood to create a niche and put stress on Carlo Ancelotti’s males.
Forward of the journey to the Canary Islands, Barcelona supervisor Hansi Flick addressed the media, discussing varied matters, together with the UEFA Champions League draw which pits them in opposition to Benfica within the Spherical of 16.
On the sport and the draw
Kicking issues off, although, the German tactician spoke in regards to the challenges of going through Las Palmas, saying:
“It was a really troublesome recreation at dwelling and we’re targeted on being ready and exhibiting our power. It’s a match that can determine the championship.”
Shortly transferring to the draw in opposition to Benfica, he famous: “It’s a troublesome recreation as a result of they’re enjoying very nicely. No opponent will probably be straightforward to beat at this stage: at this level, it’s troublesome for everybody: will probably be difficult.”
Barcelona will face Atletico Madrid subsequent week within the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final. Protecting that in thoughts, Flick was requested if he plans to make rotations for tomorrow’s match, to which he replied:
“We are going to prepare as we speak and determine later. We at all times give attention to the following recreation however we have now to consider Atletico as nicely, however a very powerful recreation now could be in opposition to Las Palmas.”
On whether or not Actual Madrid and Atletico Madrid going through off within the Champions League Spherical of 16 may find yourself as a bonus for Barcelona, Flick remarked:
“After all, Madrid are a really sturdy workforce, probably the greatest groups, they usually have the squad to handle their video games. For us, it is very important present our high quality in each recreation and we’re at present in an important second however there may be nonetheless an extended method to go.”
Taking it step-by-step. (Photograph by Fran Santiago/Getty Photos)
On being requested about the potential for going through off in opposition to Actual Madrid within the finals in Munich, Flick mentioned:
“Initially it’s important to attain the ultimate, that’s the primary goal and the opponent doesn’t matter to me. First, it’s important to play in opposition to an excellent workforce like Benfica.”
On the workforce and gamers
Flick additionally touched upon the state of affairs of Vitor Roque, at present on mortgage at Actual Betis from Barcelona, with the ahead attracting curiosity from Palmeiras.
“It’s not my job, I handle my gamers and he determined to go away. If one thing has to alter it’s as much as Deco,” the German replied bluntly.
The Barça boss additionally confirmed that they are going to put a plan in place for Dani Olmo, just like that of Pedri, to assist him keep away from accidents, saying:
“Sure, we’re fascinated by this. Final season he received injured and we have now to take precautions and we’re planning on doing the identical as with Pedri, sure.”
Discussing the imbalance of minutes between his common starters and fringe gamers, Flick remarked:
“All of the gamers within the workforce are in good bodily form, however we have now to assume not solely about this match, but additionally in regards to the subsequent ones, after which the worldwide matches.
“We’ve that in thoughts, the info of the gamers, and it’s our job. Perhaps we enable two gamers to relaxation and others to play. We’ve gamers at a really excessive stage.”
The Barcelona head coach warned that Las Palmas are nonetheless a harmful workforce though they’re near the underside of the desk, whereas additionally sending a message to their captain Kirian Rodriguez, who just lately confirmed his most cancers relapse.
“They confirmed at our dwelling floor that they’re an important workforce and that they know play. They’ve not had such good outcomes, they’ve received accidents,” Flick mentioned.
“We’re all fascinated by Kirian and we want him the most effective as a result of well being is a very powerful factor we have now,” he added.
Staying grounded amid treble talks. (Photograph by David Ramos/Getty Photos)
Flick was additionally requested about Barcelona’s probabilities of successful the treble this season, with the membership doing nicely in La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Champions League. In response, he mentioned:
“It’s not straightforward in any respect. It’s very troublesome however there aren’t any excuses, we have now to do our greatest and while you see the standard of the opposite groups it’s unbelievable.
“That is soccer and it’s good for everybody to play these video games on the highest stage. And that’s why we play and take a look at arduous: it’s good to see this stage.”
On the refereeing controversies
Sympathising with referees, who’ve come beneath intense scrutiny and stress in current weeks, Flick remarked:
“On this competitors, it’s also necessary to consider the referees and their households: all of us make errors. The duty of the gamers and coaches is to guard them. I don’t like what is occurring.
“The referees make their choices however they’ve the VAR. It’s important to belief the referees and the Federation has to indicate them help. They should be protected, we have now to alter.”
Additional defending the referees, he added: “We at all times attempt to discover excuses: if we lose it’s the referees’ fault however it’s not like that. We will all make errors, they will make errors too.
“However we have now to guard them: we are able to’t play with out referees. We’ve to guard them and possibly we have now to play higher to have the ability to win.”
Concerning Jude Bellingham and his two-match suspension for arguing with and disrespecting the referee, he mentioned:
“I’ve nothing to say about it. Bellingham is a superb participant, the opposite issues don’t have anything to do with my gamers. I simply hope my workforce performs the way in which I need them to play, that’s all I need to see.”
Supply: SPORT