Hansi Flick Voices Discontent Over Barcelona's Fixture Scheduling
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Synopsis
FC Barcelona's coach Hansi Flick has expressed his frustration regarding fixture scheduling, as key players are unavailable for the upcoming match against Osasuna due to the timing of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Despite his concerns, Flick insists the team is ready and will not use these circumstances as an excuse.
Key Takeaways
- Hansi Flick criticizes scheduling of matches.
- Key players unavailable for the Osasuna match.
- Flick emphasizes readiness despite scheduling issues.
- Raphinha and Araujo to miss the game due to travel.
- Pau Cubarsi will be rested for the upcoming match.
Barcelona, March 26 (NationPress) The head coach of FC Barcelona, Hansi Flick, has voiced his concerns regarding the timing of fixtures as his team is set to face Osasuna on Friday (IST), just a day after the South American FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, which leaves key players unavailable for the match.
Flick expressed his dissatisfaction with the circumstances but insisted that his team would not use it as an excuse and is prepared for the game.
“Almost all the players have been with their national teams, and we have to play tomorrow. We can discuss whether this is the right time to compete. Traveling late at night after an away match is not ideal. I am not pleased with this situation, and when you observe other teams in their leagues, it's noticeably different,” Flick stated during the pre-match press conference.
“In the Champions League, it's crucial to support La Liga teams for their success, but this situation is beyond my control, and I cannot change it. We will play and will not make excuses. We are prepared,” he added.
The German coach also confirmed that Raphinha and Ronald Araujo, who participated in the CONMEBOL FIFA WC Qualifiers for Brazil and Uruguay respectively on Wednesday (IST), will be unavailable due to their demanding schedules.
Moreover, Flick noted that Pau Cubarsi, who returned to the club after an injury while training with the Spanish national team, is fine but will be rested for the upcoming match on Friday.
“Raphinha and Araujo will arrive in Barcelona this afternoon. They will not play as they are out. The lengthy flight means they need time to recover and train. This is not the most favorable scenario. They need to recuperate from their travels, and we will see how things go on Sunday,” he explained.
“Pau will be on the bench, while Eric and Inigo Martínez will take the field. Pau will need about three more days of rest. If we truly required him, he would play, but we are saving him for tomorrow,” he continued.
Currently, Barcelona shares the top position in the La Liga standings with their historic rivals Real Madrid, both teams boasting 60 points. Barcelona holds a slight edge as they have played 27 matches, one fewer than Real Madrid. Atletico Madrid sits in third place with 56 points from 28 games, while Athletic Bilbao is fourth with 52 points.
