- Barcelona coach Hansi Flick warns his team against complacency despite their previous 5-1 win over Real Betis.
- Flick highlights that Real Betis is currently on a six-game winning streak.
- Midfielder Gavi will be available for the La Liga match against Betis.
- Flick emphasizes the importance of focusing on each game and not just dreaming of a treble.
- He is pleased with the team’s confidence and mentality but sees room for defensive improvement.
Flick Warns Barcelona Not to Underestimate Real Betis Despite Copa Thrashing
Barcelona, Spain – Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has stated that his team cannot take their previous resounding 5-1 victory over Real Betis in the Copa del Rey as a reference point for their upcoming La Liga match on Saturday. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Flick emphasized that Real Betis is a different opponent now, riding a six-game winning streak in the competition.
“The result we got in the Copa does not represent what happened in the match or what we saw on the pitch,” Flick told reporters. “Everyone knows that it will be a difficult day. Against Betis, we will have to play at our best.” The German coach acknowledged the deceptive nature of their previous encounter and the improved form of their Andalusian rivals.
Gavi Returns to Bolster Barcelona’s Midfield
In positive news for Barcelona, Flick confirmed that midfielder Gavi will be available for the game against Betis. Gavi had missed the Copa del Rey match against Atletico Madrid due to discomfort, but he has now recovered and is ready to contribute.
Flick revealed his initial plan for Gavi in the Copa semi-final against Atletico. “My idea was for Gavi to play ‘a few minutes’ in the Metropolitano, in the Cup semi-final against Atletico Madrid, but there were doubts about his condition, and we decided to reserve him. Now he doesn’t have any problems. I’ve been talking to the doctors and the physios, and Gavi is available for the game,” Flick explained.
Treble Talk on Hold: Focus on the Next Challenge
Despite Barcelona’s strong position as leaders in La Liga, their qualification for the Copa del Rey final, and their presence in the Champions League quarter-finals, Flick is keeping his team grounded. While acknowledging the ambition of winning a treble, he stressed the importance of focusing on the immediate challenge. “Thinking about the treble is all very well, but we mustn’t focus on dreams. We have to look ahead to the next game,” Flick stated.
Confidence and Defensive Awareness
Flick did express his satisfaction with the team’s current mindset. “Nevertheless, Flick likes ‘the confidence’ the players have in themselves. The team is not afraid and believes it has the quality to beat any opponent. At the moment, I like the mentality I see in the dressing room,” he summarized.
However, Flick also highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in defense. “Flick believes that although he has ‘found the key’ to getting his team to defend better ‘with possession’, there is still room for improvement. Sometimes, we can allow too much space for counter-attacks, and that’s what we want to eliminate,” he claimed.
La Liga Title Race Still Open
Looking at the broader picture of the La Liga title race, Flick cautioned against assuming it’s solely a two-horse race between Barcelona and Real Madrid. “There are still nine games left. This is not between Barca and Madrid. There are other teams with quality that can also win it,” he concluded, suggesting that the competition remains fierce and unpredictable. As Barcelona prepares to face a resurgent Real Betis, Flick’s emphasis on focus and avoiding complacency will be crucial in their pursuit of further success this season.