Barça eyes Girona test: Flick debunks Yamal rumors as Lewandowski channels Ronaldo energy
17 October 2025
Respect for Girona and managing absences
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick says his team is ready for a tough test against Girona on Saturday at Montjuïc as La Liga round nine unfolds. He notes Girona has an exciting attacking philosophy and acknowledges the return of Lamine Yamal and Fermín López to the squad, though they are not likely to reach full match fitness.
Flick emphasizes that Barça must start with intensity, aiming to reproduce a stronger start than in the recent match against Sevilla, while carefully managing minutes to protect players without sacrificing ambition.
He recognizes the injuries in the attacking department, including Ferran Torres, and says the staff must find solutions with the available players. Yamal and López have returned to the fold but will not play the full 90 minutes, a necessary balance as the team navigates a congested schedule.
Rumors, management, and Yamal’s privacy
If Barça are at their best, Flick believes they can beat any team, and starting strongly from the first whistle remains essential. He discusses the ongoing injury situation, reiterating that players like Yamal and López will get minutes gradually as they rebuild match fitness.
In addressing rumors of external interference in tactical decisions, Flick calls such talk nonsense and completely false, stressing a professional relationship with Deco and the club leadership built on trust. He notes that decisions are made by the staff and management without outside pressure.
Regarding Rafinha, Flick says he hopes the winger will be available for the Clasico and that his recovery is progressing well, with occasional rehab bumps that are typical in returning from injury.
Front line, pressing, and the road ahead
On the front line and the team’s pressing approach, Flick demands 100 percent effort from all players in every action and wants the attackers to contribute to build up play and aggressive pressure. He also highlights the need for defenders to push the attackers to press more effectively and for the squad to develop a tougher mindset and fighting spirit.
Barça’s pride and fighting ethos remain strong; Flick notes that last season brought three titles, but the campaign is not finished yet. He says the squad will use the period ahead to develop younger talents and that he is managing the situation with composure.
The coach also mentions the upcoming schedule, including a Miami clash with Villarreal as part of the Liga calendar, and confirms a Christmas break between the year’s last game and the first match of the new year against Espanyol. He stresses the importance of respecting the schedule and keeping players fresh for the long run.
On Yamal’s life outside training, Flick reiterates that his focus is on what he does in training and his professional conduct, not on days off or personal matters. His emphasis remains on performance and discipline rather than speculation.
Punchline 1: If Barca keep pressing like this, the ball will start asking for overtime pay. Punchline 2: Watching Barca defend sometimes feels like trying to update software mid game—always a surprise, but the updates usually end with a brilliant highlight.
