Hansi Flick has been handed a significant defensive boost ahead of a crucial trip to the capital. While Raphinha faces a spell on the sidelines, Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde have been cleared to return to the matchday squad.
There were just a few minutes to go in the first half of Brazil's friendly with France last week when Raphinha began to experience what Carlo Ancelotti called "mild discomfort" in his right thigh. However, the mere fact that he failed to re-emerge for the second period at the Gillette Stadium immediately put Barcelona's medical team on red alert and they promptly reached out to the winger, desperately hoping to receive reassurance that he hadn't aggravated an issue that had already sidelined him twice this season.
Barcelona winger Raphinha has been left devastated after picking up an injury while on international duty with Brazil, coach Hansi Flick says. The German coach has opened up on the Brazil player's mental state and explained the decision to delay his return to Spain.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has reinforced Lamine Yamal’s powerful anti-racism message following the "intolerable" Islamophobic chants that marred Spain’s recent friendly against Egypt. The 18-year-old winger, a practising Muslim, expressed his disgust after spectators at RCDE Stadium aimed derogatory songs at his faith, prompting a formal investigation by local Catalan police.
Hansi Flick has largely been credited with instilling a positive and disciplined culture within the Barcelona dressing room since his arrival, but the first signs of internal friction are beginning to emerge. The source of the discord is Roony Bardghji, the highly-rated winger who secured a high-profile move to the Spotify Camp Nou last summer but has struggled to cement a regular place in the starting XI.
Barcelona maintained their four-point lead at the summit of La Liga with a gritty 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano, but the match was partially overshadowed by a moment of apparent friction between Lamine Yamal and Hansi Flick. Yamal was visibly angry after being withdrawn in the closing stages of the game at the Spotify Camp Nou. This rare show of dissent from the 18-year-old has sparked immediate debate regarding the dynamic between the manager and his star pupil.
Thierry Henry believes Barcelona have sent a "global earthquake" through the Champions League following their demolition of Newcastle. The Arsenal legend claims Hansi Flick has restored the "Dream Team" aura to the Catalan giants.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has opened up about the crucial half-time tactical tweaks that sparked his side's incredible comeback against Newcastle in the Champions League. After a chaotic and difficult first half, the German coach's specific instructions completely changed the momentum, paving the way for a dominant second-half display and a quarter-final spot.
Hansi Flick has dropped a bombshell regarding his future, confirming that Barcelona will be the final club of his coaching career. Despite mounting speculation over a potential contract extension, the German tactician remains focused on the present as the Blaugrana prepare for a crucial European showdown against Newcastle on Wednesday in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16.