Barcelona manager Hansi Flick was highly complementary of Italian giants Inter in his first press conference since finding out they would be facing the Nerazzurri and not his former side Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final. While the headline of his press conference before the Blaugrana take on Celta Vigo was his complaints about the schedule, he had no plans to rest some of his key player.
Speaking about Inter, Flick had only positives to say about Simone Inzaghi’s side.
“I really appreciate the way they are playing. They have a very experienced team, they are well organised, in the defence and also with the ball. Benji Pavard, I love him, he was my player, it’s fantastic to see him like this. Inter is a fantastic team, with a great coach, what they did in recent years is unbelievable. They’re doing good, and it’s really tough to do that.”
He also had no plans to rest Jules Kounde, citing the Frenchman’s work ethic has the primary obstacle to giving him time off.
“The problem with Kounde is that if we train 30 minutes less one day, he’ll go off to Sitges to run. He’s an incredible player and he’s in top physical condition. I talk to them, and they’re honest about their physical condition. Also in the data we have, of course if we see something, we will take that into account. But I need them to be honest with me, the body is the player’s responsibility, and Kounde tells me he’s fine.”
Equally, there has been talk that 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, one of the most used players in the Barcelona team, may also benefit from a rest.
“Everyone knows that Lamine is a genius, even at 17. He has a lot of pressure on him, and we need him on the pitch, but only if he’s at his best. If he is OK, and the results say so, and he tells us he’s fine, he’ll play, like everyone else.”
Recently Flick picked out Inigo Martinez for special praise, and Flick once again was again happy to illustrate his importance to the side.
“It’s very important to me that there are players and coaches on the field, speaking and organising the team. He sees everything and can manage from behind. I’ve said it before, I’m very happy with him. I appreciate his professionalism, and he’s an undisputed leader.”
Flick confirmed that Dani Olmo is ready to play against Celta Vigo, while also noting that Fermin Lopez had done a good job in his absence. He was less certain when asked about the chances of Alejandro Balde’s chances of coming back from injury for the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid.
Barcelona are trying to get La Liga to move the Real Valladolid – Barça game, currently scheduled for April 3rd, to a later date. They want the team to have more rest to face the second leg of the semi-finals in Milan. Talks are underway, but there’s little optimism. @FCBRAC1
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) April 18, 2025
“We’ll have to see how it progresses day to day. I’m not sure. We’ll have to wait and see.”
The Blaugrana lost Balde to a hamstring injury, and will be using Gerard Martin at left-back for the foreseeable future. It appears Balde is scheduled to come back the week after Barcelona face Real Madrid, with the first leg of against Inter on the 30th of April, or their La Liga clash against Real Valladolid on the third of May likely return dates.
