BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – With a Lamine Yamal like this, everything is easier. Hansi Flick is cherishing his gem, fresh from international duty where he played a starring role. “His level is fantastic, even with Spain. I saw him in London; I was in the stands. He will be the best player in the world, if he isn’t already. He is at the very top, very close. If he keeps going like this, trying to improve, with this mentality… I am happy with him,” said the Barcelona coach, whose team sits alone at the top of La Liga and resumes action tomorrow against Getafe.
Raphinha, who was injured while on international duty, will be missing: “The tests he underwent didn’t show a major injury, but we have to take care of him because he suffered three injuries last year. He won’t play tomorrow or in the match in Istanbul against Galatasaray,” announced Flick, who is ready to hand a starting spot to Gabriel Jesus (“he has improved a lot, he has adapted very well”) for the first of five matches in two weeks.
“I’m not thrilled about it, but I can’t change the situation. We have to be ready and win.” Joan Garcia has recovered, though De Jong will require a bit more time: “He might be available against Betis. His recovery is going well, he has no pain, but he needs time and we will give it to him.”
Finally, a comment on Spain: “I enjoy watching them play—their performance, their style, and how they manage playing time. They are the best team in the world.”
-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).
