FC Barcelona’s Flick On Araujo Update, Agrees With Lamine Yamal Boast

FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick was satisfied that his team managed to maintain the level it showed against Real Madrid last time when he again scored five goals against Real Betis in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.

The newly crowned Spanish Super Cup champions, who beat Madrid 5-2 in Jeddah, got past the Andalusians by producing a similar 5-1 scoreline in Montjuic in midweek.

Commenting on the action after the match, Fl8ck said it was “very important after the big win in the Super Cup to see how the team bounced back”.

“We traveled, we didn’t train on Monday and after just one training session it’s very good to see the performance from the beginning,” explained the German.

Flick’s line-up had plenty of surprises, with Dani Olmo starting at center forward in place of Robert Lewandowski.

“He knows how to play perfectly as a number nine, he has done it in the national team. We have talked about it. Lewandowski was not an option and we wanted to try him (Olmo).

“The plan worked well and you will have seen that the spacing between the players has been perfect,” added Flick, before confirming that ‘Lewa’ is not injured and just needed a rest.

In his own comments after the match, Gavi stated that Lamine Yamal is the best player in the world “only behind Messi”.

Asked if he agreed, Flick said: “Gavi is very emotional … well, my answer is yes, in big games you see how big talents shine, we’ve seen that in many games, but we have to look after him. “

There was also praise for Pedri, who Flick noted is “in full swing”.

“He is one of those players who performs in every game. He runs many kilometers and does many things. It is important for me that he stands out as a leader, we need someone who stands out in the midfield. He’s doing really well.”

Although the defender has been linked with a shock move to Juventus, Flick reminded us that Ronald Araujo “has a contract for a year and a half and I have never doubted that he will be here”.

“I’m very happy to have him and you saw how the fans celebrated his return.”

As for Gavi, Flick explained that “what I like about him is that he is always present, he always presses and wins important duels. And he also knows how to play with the ball, I am very happy .”

Frenkie de Jong also had a good game, with Flick believing the Dutchman “has taken a step in the right direction”.

On Ansu Fati being dropped from the squad, Flick stressed that “there are more players fit and for him it’s not easy”.

“He needs to train and show us he’s on the mend,” the coach demanded.