The FC Barcelona coach, Hansi Flick, expressed his satisfaction with the three points earned and being able to give some players a rest in the 2-1 victory over Real Valladolid on Saturday. He also revealed that Wojciech Szczesny will be his goalkeeper in the crucial upcoming matches against Inter Milan and Real Madrid.
«When you are behind in the score, it’s not easy, they defended well. In the second half, we had more chances, we talked about it in the dressing room and it was a bit better,» said Flick in a press conference, highlighting Ter Stegen’s performance in the second half after returning from a long injury.
However, the German coach pointed out that Szczesny will return to the starting lineup on Tuesday in the Champions League semi-final second leg and in the Clásico against Madrid on Sunday with the La Liga title at stake for Barcelona. «We’ll see, but our plan is for Szczesny to play in the Champions League and also against Real Madrid,» he stated.
Furthermore, the Barcelona coach did not criticize his players. «The goal was down to bad luck. We were trailing, but we had a clear plan for Pedri and De Jong, 45 minutes each. We are happy with the three points and gave some players a rest,» he added.
«No, I’m not disappointed. When you make nine changes, it’s not easy for the players. I believe in the great confidence of my players and they gave their all. It wasn’t easy, it was a bit risky but Araújo, Christensen, Ter Stegen had a good game,» he continued, lamenting the injury of debutant Dani Rodríguez and hoping that Gavi will not suffer any physical setbacks.
FUENTE