Barcelona manager Hansi Flick explained that he was happy with how his players made for a tiring Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid who went to extra time and ended after midnight. For both teams, an important factor is surpassed.
Before Flick spoke to the media, Lamine Yamal gave his press conference and admitted that the physical toll weighed heavier than ever on Saturday evening. Flick was happy with how they had recovered.
“The players look good for me. The story of the game is important, that also has an impact, but we are now focused on Inter. We have the opportunity to reach the Champions League final. It is the most important competition. We are in a privileged position. Training went well and we have spoken about what we can improve the match against Madrid.”
Inter played on Sunday, with 1-0 lost at home from Roma while they try to keep pace with Napoli in the Serie A.
“We will see tomorrow. We will have another day and we will see how the players recover. If you look at Inter on Sunday, they have had fewer hours to recover, but it is also a Champions League final for which they play.”
It has been talked about that Captain Marc-Andre will like to emulate and return from a serious injury to play the Champions League final. Flick, however, confirmed that the Wojciech Szczny would be in the goal in Europe.
“No, TEK plays in the Champions League, and perhaps one day we will change things in La Liga. We'll see that later, but Szczesny plays in the Champions League.”
There are also questions about whether Flick will rotate against Inter, given their physical efforts. Maybe Fermin Lopez is most likely that he will be in the team.
“Fermin is always an option. On Saturday we have chosen Olmo, but he can start the game. He has done it very well and we need it. He always attacks deep, but he can also pass an opponent with the ball. He always gives his everything and is at a very high level.”
And he also had little concern about Jules Kounde after 120 minutes.
“Jules is a very professional player. Not only was it the goal, but also how he defended. There were some situations he put his opponent against Madrid, Bellingham was there for the header. In the goal I was surprised when he jumped, but when I saw that he reached the ball, I was happy and fingers he can score a very important player.” He is a very important player. “
There have been reports that Flick also reached an agreement to extend his deal in Barcelona until 2027.
“I think I will coach the team next year, yes. I have a contract until the end of next season. I am very happy and I love this team. It is not the right moment, and it is not the time to talk about it. We are not focused on what will happen in the future.”
Based on Flick's answer, his plan is as reported that SZCZNY will remain number one, but Ter Stegen may have the chance to enter the team before the end of the season. Barcelona is confronted with Real Madrid in two weekends, and if they can avoid the defeat, many will feel that the Blaugrana are champions who choose to go with three more games.