Barcelona will be aiming to build on their commanding win over RCD Mallorca in midweek when they face off against Real Betis on Saturday afternoon.
The Blaugrana ended their three-game winless streak in La Liga with the hammering of Mallorca in Palma during midweek and will be aiming to further stretch their lead at the top of the La Liga table.
Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis side, at their home in Benito Villamarin, will not be an easy challenge for Hansi Flick & co., who will also come up against Barcelona loanee Vitor Roque in the game.
On the eve of the match in Andalusia, Flick spoke to the media and discussed various topics, including the possibility of rotations and potential return dates for injured stars like Ronald Araujo.
On Real Betis
Discussing the challenge that Barcelona can expect against Real Betis tomorrow, the German tactician said:
“It’s a very good team and they have experienced players. We already know in the end what they are capable of, they always press high and we have to be careful. We have to concentrate on our game.”
About his opposite number Manuel Pellegrini, Flick added: “He is a very experienced coach and knows how to get the best out of his players. His teams always play great football and love to have the ball. He knows how to transmit confidence to the players.”
On his team’s mood
On his team’s moment, Flick insisted that the Catalans must go forward with the same attitude and mindset they showed against Mallorca, saying:
“We must have the same mentality as in Mallorca. Next week we also have the Champions League, it’s important that the team believes in its strengths, that’s what this young team needs.”
On the team’s mood after the Mallorca victory, he added: “It’s normal, when you win it’s much better than when you lose. That’s how I also see the players, it was a great victory, but at the end, I see them also very focused. It’s good to feel it and see it.”
On individuals and team news
Meanwhile, the Barcelona head coach confirmed that both Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski, who was rested against Mallorca, will be starting tomorrow, as he said:
“We need Raphinha in every game, he is a key player. If he’s available for 90 minutes, all the better. But he will play as much as he can. He will start tomorrow and Lewandowski as well.”
Raphinha and Lewandowski will start vs Real Betis. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
The manager also confirmed the plans laid out for Ronald Araujo’s return, stating that the idea is for the centre-back to play against Leganes.
“‘He won’t be available for tomorrow. Maybe he could play against Dortmund, but our objective is to have him for Leganes. It’s not easy to include him in every game because the team is doing well. I’m very happy, in training today we are focusing on tomorrow.”
As reported earlier today, Ansu Fati and Andreas Christensen resumed training on the pitch, suggesting that their return from injury could be on the horizon. Commenting on their situation, Flick said:
“I think when you think about next year how many games we have from the beginning of the year it’s important to have rotation, to get players back. Of course I like to see players recovering, hopefully they can all recover before the end of the year.”
Discussing the notion that Barcelona are dependent on Lamine Yamal, Flick said: “When the stats speak for themselves they reinforce tomorrow’s game.”
The Barcelona manager also commented on the situation of Vitor Roque, currently on loan at Real Betis, stating that the Brazilian has shown signs of improvement after departing in the summer.
“I’m not worried, I trust my players. All teams have good footballers, the same with Betis. We have to defend as well as possible. He’s doing very well and he’s improving.
“We realised that when he arrived he wasn’t entirely happy, it was the best decision for him. It’s very good for him that he feels better and is more positive.”
On Barça not being a part of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Flick commented: “I can’t change it. We are not there and well, at the end of the season I also think about my players who are already carrying a lot of load.
“Maybe it’s also good for them to get more rest. We will have a longer pre-season to prepare them.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo