Flick: 'We are only focused on Sevilla'
In the traditional pre-match press conference ahead of Barça's game at home on Sunday against Sevilla (kick off 9pm CEST), coach Hansi Flick faced the media following the international break. The blaugranes' next opponents in La Liga are "a good team, who play good football, like to have possession and are in good form," according to the German.
Only thinking about Sevilla
Despite the game at the Estadi Olímpic against the Andalusians being the first in an intriguing trio of fixtures that also includes matches against Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, coach Flick was adamant that his side "is only focused on Sevilla - we are taking things one at a time. The line up will be the one we consider best to play against Sevilla," when asked about the possibility of a rest for Lamine Yamal. The winger returned to Barcelona with a slight hamstring strain after playing in Spain's first of two fixtures over the international break. The Barça coach added his gratitude to national team boss Luis de la Fuente: "It was good decision to give him a rest. I have spoken to Lamine and he is ready to play tomorrow."
Awaited returns and no change in goal
When asked about players returning from injury, Flick explained that Gavi, Fermín and Dani Olmo are "with the squad and they could play." On Gavi's return the coach added "it's an important step and everyone is very happy. He'll be on the bench and we will see what happens." About the goalkeeping position Flick also said: "There is no reason to change goalkeeper. Iñaki will play tomorrow and on Wednesday."
Meeting with Xavi
The German coach also touched on his meeting for Xavi Hernández this week, his predecessor as Barça coach. "I have a really good relationship with Xavi since I was national team coach. After the event for Iniesta's retirement I thought it would be a good chance to catch up and ask him for a coffee together and that is what we did. I have a lot of time for him and we had a good meeting, as I expected, and I was able to meet his family."