Flick on offside controversy, responds to Lionel Messi comments

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has not ruled out his side changing formation in the coming weeks, especially with star winger Lamine Yamal injured. The Blaugrana have more or less stuck to a fairly rigid 4-2-3-1 with freedom for Raphinha on the left, but when Fermin Lopez played in place of Lamine Yamal in their defeat to Real Sociedad, things didn't function as Flick would have done. hoped.

Flick was asked how Lionel Messi praised his side as the Argentine legend prepares to fly in for Barcelona's 125th anniversary next week.

“It's an honor that he says nice things about the club, and that he follows them and sees the young players, and so you can see that he is in this club with all his heart. It means a lot to us and to the whole team.”

The German coach was asked if he had a system and it was about finding the right players for his style, or he would adapt the system to his players.

“Maybe we are also a bit limited now that Lamine is not there, but of course we have a lot of quality and players who can play in different positions. [On a formation change] Yes of course, we look at what we need in the next match and we design our match plan. That is also the case for tomorrow, and hopefully things will go in the right direction.”

During the international break, Marc Casado also made his first appearance in Spain, making his first start three days later.

“I was very happy with how he played. He looked like he has played a lot of games, not just the one against Spain. And he looked like he does on this team. He looks like a very experienced man. He has to follow his path, but I am happy.”

Barcelona legend Pep Guardiola extended his contract this week, extending his stay to a tenth season. Flick was asked if he could see himself staying at Can Barca for so long.

“Ten years at a club? I don't think I can stay that long. I have four grandchildren and they will earn their time before I turn 70. We'll see….”

Before the international break, Barcelona were in turmoil after it appeared Robert Lewandowski had a goal wrongly disallowed for offside. Convincing images of the decision have yet to emerge. Flick was asked if he has been convinced by anyone since, after calling the decision a mistake after the match.

“This wasn't anything big. Sometimes it is good to get an explanation about this from La Liga and the Federation. But at the end of the day, we're all human, and that happens. It doesn't matter, we're looking forward to the next game and that's tomorrow.”

Barcelona will take on Celta Vigo on Saturday evening at 9 p.m. in Balaidos, in a traditionally difficult away match for Flick's team. They will be without Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia, Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal, but Flick confirmed that Gavi is ready for a starting role again and Araujo would return to group training on Sunday after five months. out.