Barcelona manager, Hansi Flick, has urged his players to show more determination as the club battles a spate of injuries and struggles to regain top form.
The Catalan side drew 3-3 against Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday and now trail La Liga leaders Real Madrid by five points ahead of their clash with Celta Vigo on Sunday.
Following last season’s domestic treble, Barcelona have faced inconsistency during Flick’s second term, largely due to key players missing through injury. For the trip to Balaidos, the squad will be without Raphinha, Pedri, Joan Garcia, and Gavi, while Jules Kounde remains a doubt.
“It’s not an excuse, it’s a fact, we have a lot of injured players. They are huge players, some of our key players,” Flick said at a news conference. “I know, we all know, the players know we have to play much better. The important thing is that everyone (gets) back, after two or three matches, they are on a good level and can help us a lot. This is maybe a starting point again.
“Until then, and the match tomorrow is like that, we have to fight. On Wednesday we couldn’t see this fight, that we need. Hopefully tomorrow we will see it.”
Flick acknowledged that Celta Vigo are entering the game in strong form, having won their last five matches across all competitions. “They are in a good mood,” he said.
The Barcelona coach also praised young star Lamine Yamal, who has returned to form following a groin issue. “He changed his discipline, it’s much better now, he’s really training good,” Flick said.
Yamal, 18, has been called up by Spain for upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Flick requested that Spain manager Luis de la Fuente handle the youngster with care.
“In September Yamal aggravated his groin problem while with Spain and he was released from the squad for matches in October because of the same problem. He comes back to the best level but it’s not over, we have to take care about this injury, not only us but also the national team,” added Flick.
