Rafinha Ready, Araújo Privacy in Focus: Flick Prepares Barça for a Tough Atlético Madrid Test

Rafinha Ready and Araújo Privacy in Focus

German coach Hansi Flick, at Barça's press conference ahead of the Atlético Madrid game, confirmed Rafinha is fit and eager to see the best Barcelona in the coming phase.

In his remarks, Flick addressed the team's form, players' condition, and the pressure surrounding the squad, while reviewing several recent events.

He said: We know we face a great team and one of the best coaches. It will be a tough match and everyone must give their best. If you look at the table, many good teams are ready to compete, and so are we. We are bringing players back and can lift our level.

Asked what the team still lacks, he replied: We made mistakes and usually we have the quality to control the game, which we missed in recent matches. I want to see the quality we have.

Pedri is ready to start. He can begin the match. Today we focused on Rafinha; he trained lightly and then stopped. I trust he will be ready to play the full game. As for Ronald Araújo, he is not ready yet, and it’s a private matter. Please respect it.

The image of Flick with Rafinha and his mental state sparked discussion: It’s interesting to see how things have evolved. I don’t know who started analyzing those photos. I was frustrated after the match and the red cards; I looked around and asked everyone to stay calm. When we scored the third, Marcus received a red card, and I had spoken to him. He is a friend and the most important person here, and that conversation stayed with me. I thought I might say something in the locker room, but I chose to step outside and catch my breath. I didn’t want to enter into a debate with Marcus Zorc.

He added: I’m fine and know the club’s situation; I’m happy to be here. These matches drain energy; when I get home I rest and start again for the next game. That’s all I can say. I wasn’t thinking about other stuff and I wasn’t sad. The team is working well and we have potential.

Pedri is ready to be a starter; he can start from the beginning. Today we focused on Rafinha; he only trained lightly then stopped. I trust he will be ready to play the full match. Ronald Araújo is not ready; the matter is private and I won’t discuss it. Please respect it.

On fan atmosphere: I’m happy with the fans. The mood matches the pitch. Not the time to discuss Ter Stegen’s return; he isn’t ready yet, he’s working toward it.

On the second-season pressures: They’re the same as last season. This season will be tougher; everyone wants to beat the champions. We’re top, but not at our best yet. We must take the necessary steps to reach our top form for a big match tomorrow.

We must play at the highest level against a team of that quality. I think they’re one of the best in Europe and have significantly improved with their summer signings. I love watching them; they’re excellent offensively. We also have quality and must show it.

Staying on top is important, but our season has been plagued by injuries. We never use excuses. We need more minutes with the starting XI, because last season was a model: Pedri, De Jong, and the defense were constant. There has been continuity that we lack this season. Not excuses, but we must act. Our goal is to win a big game like tomorrow's.

Real Madrid’s setback? I did not watch their match. I only saw the summary; my focus remains on my team.

On the evaluation of Jo Garcia: The question isn’t easy. I have trained Neuer and Ter Stegen, two of the best. Juan Garcia has a bright future; from day one he shows capacity, with great shot-stopping and passing, and the club’s decision to sign him was correct. He will give us a lot in coming years and is a major source of security.

We must play at the highest level against a team of that quality. I think they’re one of the best in Europe and have significantly improved with their summer signings. I love watching them; they’re excellent offensively. We also have quality and must show it.

It is crucial to stay on top; this season has brought injuries and challenges. We refuse excuses and push for more minutes with the starting lineup. Our goal remains winning a big match tomorrow.

Punchline: If football were math, Flick would call Rafinha a variable and still claim the equation solves itself on the field.

Punchline 2: And as for privacy, even a fortress has a gate—let's hope the gatekeeper is polite, not a red-card referee in disguise.