Barcelona assistant manager confirms late decision on key starter

Barcelona are gearing up to face Real Madrid in El Clasico, but they will do so with head coach Hansi Flick. The German was sent off during last weekend’s victory over Girona, and despite multiple appeals, it has been confirmed that he will serve a one-match suspension during Sunday’s match.

That means Marcus Sorg, his assistant, will lead the team, and prior to making the trip to the Santiago Bernabeu, he spoke to the media. As per Diario AS, he admitted that the squad is likely to be negatively affected by Flick’s absence from the sidelines.

“Flick is in good spirits, positive, motivated. He will always be missed because he is one of the most important parts of the team. I think it does have an effect (that he will not be in the dugout) because the players trust him, he gives them security. It does influence that he is not there.”

Sorg: “Any team would miss Raphinha”

Sorg also reacted to the news that Raphinha will not be available for El Clasico, having suffered a relapse of a hamstring injury that has kept him out for the last month. He also confirmed that a late decision will be made on whether Ferran Torres, who returned from his own absence in midweek, will start against Real Madrid.

“Any team would miss Raphinha. As for Ferran, we are going to decide tomorrow.”

Sorg confirmed Kounde availability

In more positive news, Sorg confirmed that Jules Kounde trained normally on Saturday, with the French defender having recovered from discomfort. However, he refused to admit whether he will start in El Clasico.

“Jules trained this morning, he is likely to play. I still have no idea of the eleven starters.”

Flick will still pick the team, even if he will not lead it. He has a number of decisions to make before Sunday afternoon, particularly in defence and attack.