Hansi Flick: Barcelona can handle the strain despite injuries

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick is confident his team can handle the increased workload and will not make excuses despite the long injury list. However, he joins a growing list of high-profile football stars demanding that UEFA and FIFA make changes to the busy schedule.

Barça started the season with five consecutive wins in LaLiga before suffering their first defeat under Flick against Monaco in the Champions League during the week.

The return of European football brings two games a week for Barça, which will test the depth of their small squad in the coming weeks, starting with Sunday’s league match at unbeaten Villarreal.

“When we started the season, I said there are no excuses and we have no excuses,” Flick said in a press conference on Saturday. “We have games every third or fourth day, but I think we can do it.”

“The players carry a huge, huge burden, so it’s good to have other players, new legs, fresh legs on the pitch.

“We will do it (at Villarreal) and I am sure everyone will give their best performance. We have a team and I think we have shown in the games in LaLiga how well we can play.”

The football calendar has been in the spotlight this week since Manchester City midfielder Rodri suggested that some players were considering a strike due to the number of games required of them.

Barça are one of many teams suffering from injuries at the start of the season, with Ronald Araújo, Andreas Christensen, Marc Bernal, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Fermín López and Dani Olmo all currently out.

“They – UEFA and FIFA – have to take care of the players,” said Flick. “It’s not the best situation for the players. We all love football, love good performance. So if we want quality at the highest level, I think we have to reduce it.”

“Seven players are out (injured). I never count those players because I focus on the players who can play. But what I see with Frenkie is that he is doing well. We are taking care of him because the situation has not been easy. I can say the same about Gavi.”

“So I’m really happy with it, I see them all in the rondo (passing drills), it’s good. They need time, we’re taking care of them.”

In addition to the injuries, Barça will also be without Ferran Torres in Villarreal, who is serving a suspension after being sent off in the last game. However, Flick says Pedri and Marc Casadó will both be available despite missing training on Saturday.

Goalkeeper Diego Kochen, who was called up to the United States national team earlier this month, will be out for about a month and will therefore not be able to take part in the UMSNT’s games against Panama and Mexico in October, the first under new coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Despite the absences, Flick is looking forward to the game against Villarreal, which has won three and drawn two of its first games in LaLiga.

“We want to play football,” said Flick. “I know we lost the game against Monaco, but what I showed (the players) today, how we defended with nine outfield players in a 4-4-1, was really good.”

“We show them how we want to lead them against a very good team like Villarreal. That has something to do with the players’ confidence.”

“That’s what I like about Spanish football. Every team can play football, every team loves to have the ball, every player loves to have the ball. That’s what I love about our team. Everyone knows the game, knows what position to take and what space to occupy.”

Flick also defended goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, who had come under criticism after the Monaco defeat because his short pass in the 10th minute had led to Eric García being sent off.

“I think one of Marc’s strengths is not only saving the ball but also acting with the ball when he has the ball at his feet,” he said.

“That’s one of his strengths, that’s also our style of play. We don’t just want to build up with the long ball, we want to play football and that comes from him.”

“Maybe there was a mistake, but that’s normal. People make mistakes, I make mistakes, that’s normal. We have to analyse it and hopefully give the players the right order for next time, but that’s in the past and we’re looking forward to the next game.”