FC Barcelona will be aiming to take a step closer towards lifting the La Liga title when they take on Getafe tomorrow afternoon at Coliseum Alfonso Perez.
The Blaugrana have a nine-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid, although that could be cut down to six with the Spanish capital club facing Real Betis later tonight.
So, Barcelona will be keen on ensuring that their healthy lead remains intact, allowing them to strengthen their grip on the title.
Ahead of the trip to Getafe to take on Jose Bordalas’ side, Barça manager Hansi Flick spoke to the media, addressing several topics, including Lamine Yamal’s season-ending injury.
Kicking things off, Flick apologised to the reporters for arriving late to the press conference, before highlighting the challenge of facing Getafe.
“It’s tough playing against Getafe because they defend very well; they have their own philosophy. The important thing is to find our rhythm and not make mistakes,” he said.
On Lamine Yamal’s injury
The talk immediately moved to Lamine’s hamstring injury, which has ruled him out for the remainder of the season.
“It’s not easy for him or for us. We have to manage it. He’ll learn from his first muscle injury. He’ll surely be ready for the World Cup and will come back stronger,” Flick noted.
Explaining how the teenage superstar suffered the injury against Celta Vigo, he elaborated:
“He felt something after the penalty foul, but nothing serious, so we decided he’d take it. It was his first muscle injury, and that’s why it’s not easy to interpret the signals the body can give.
“He’ll learn because he’s very young. He’s already missed games this season, and it didn’t do too badly for us…”
Talking about how the club can improve their injury prevention, the manager added: “We have to analyse everything, and we will, from the technical staff to what can be improved.
“Injuries are the worst thing, but we have to manage them. There are six games left, and we want to win them all. Each game will be different. We want three more points.”
Discussing Lamine’s mental state and how he was coping with this setback, Flick elaborated: “At 18, he’s doing very well, considering the pressure he’s under. I think this is the fourth question about him, which speaks to his importance.
“He’s more mature, he’s intelligent, and he’s demonstrating that every week. It’s normal that he’s feeling down right now. I wish him a good World Cup, at his best, and for that, the important thing is that he has a good recovery.”
On the squad
Asking the rest of the squad to step up in Lamine’s absence, Flick remarked: “We need it, yes, we’re a team, and if a player is missing, we have to stick together and give 100% or more for our teammates.
“There are six games left, and the goal is always to win. We have the quality to play a great game in Getafe.”
The Barcelona head coach also confirmed that neither Raphinha nor Marc Bernal will be available to face Getafe tomorrow, saying: “They haven’t trained and neither of them will be available tomorrow. Next week, they’ll probably be better. We’ll see.”
Highlighting midfield ace Gavi as one of the leaders of the team despite his young age, Flick explained:
“Leadership isn’t about age, it’s about personality. Gavi has returned from injury more mature and focused, and I’m impressed with his performance, which is immense. He gives his all and always goes 100% for the team.”
Talking about Alejandro Balde’s reduced role since returning from injury, Flick highlighted Joao Cancelo’s performances as a factor, saying:
“He’s back from injury and Cancelo is playing very well. That’s football. We’ll need everyone in these last six games to win the league.”
On whether Roony Bardghji is ready to step up in Lamine’s absence, Flick responded in the affirmative, as he said: “He’s ready, of course. He was ready. I already said that. He’s doing well and now he’ll have more opportunities to play, although we haven’t yet decided if he’ll start in Getafe.”
