Flick: No one at Lewandowski s age can maintain his condition like him, maybe also Ronaldo

At 22:15 on October 18, in the 9th round of the 2025-26 La Liga season, Barcelona will face Girona at home. Before the game, Barcelona coach Flick attended the press conference. He talked about some of the team's current situation.

About the game against Girona

- I really like the coaching philosophy of their head coach, they have scored points in recent rounds and we must have a good start, unlike in Sevilla. We didn't perform at the highest level there and I hope that changes and we have to give it our all.

About injuries

- I can’t do anything and can’t change it. We need to find solutions, find players who can start and manage the 90 minutes. Yamal and Fermin are back, but they haven't been able to play the full game yet. That's our job, I'm not worried, the most important thing is how to start the game and perform at your best.

About Lewandowski's injury

- He told me the same situation. After the first half of the game, he was wrapped in a bandage and did not feel any pain or discomfort. We know the situation, the international break is not easy for the players and it is not good for us...Phelan, Lewandowski and Olmo. Considering all the schedule, and the Ballon d'Or ceremony... it's a pity that Raphinha is in the situation because he always set the pace on the pitch and we miss him very much and I'm sure he will be back soon.

About the lineup against Girona

- De Jong is in a completely different situation, he played on Sunday and then had a few days off. Pedri had less rest but was in good form. We always have to take that into consideration, the coaching staff thinks Pedri should play but we have to protect him.

About Yamal being “late” before the game against PSG

– I wonder where this news came from, it’s just nonsense. At this club, working with Deco, I am very grateful for the trust they place in our work. We have complete trust in each other and they have never asked for such a thing (intervening in the Yamal "late" incident). I have nothing to hide and whoever told you this is lying. Got it?

Let’s talk about Lewandowski again

-I don’t think any other player pays more attention to physical maintenance than Lewandowski. I didn’t expect him to get injured. He has always paid great attention to his body. At Lewand's age, no one can maintain his condition like him, maybe Ronaldo. His injury is not a good thing for the team, but we have to face it.

About Raphinha's absence

- I hope he can return before the national derby, this is our plan. Sometimes there are problems during the recovery process, but all he needs to do is keep working hard.

Regarding forward line pressure

- I always emphasize that when we defend, everyone has to be involved. No one can give only 50% effort, whether on defense or offense. The forwards want us to have a good base to create chances, while the defenders want the forwards to put pressure on the opponent. We have spoken to them and told them where they need to improve. It's about attitude on the pitch, we are Barcelona and the fans want to see us give it our all in every game.

Everything is very important, not just because we won three championships. It’s a new season and we have a lot of games to play and we have to start with a good attitude. We want to fight for all titles, I've told the players that. While not all of our players are ready to play, it's an opportunity for the younger players and other players who have less playing time, and I'm not worried about that.

Regarding the overseas games in Miami and the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia

- I understand that the players are unhappy with this and I am not happy with it either, but it is La Liga's decision and we have to play and then we have the Christmas break. The same situation happened last season and we understand the situation and respect it.

About Eric Garcia's contract extension and his role

- He improved greatly last season and this season and can play multiple positions at the highest level. It's good for the club to have a player like Eric Garcia and I'm delighted that De Jong has extended his contract. Everything is going in the right direction.

About Yamal’s personal life

– For me, the most important thing is that he gives his best in training. He needs to have a good attitude and perform well. He recently took a few days off because he had a lot of professional training before. I won't interfere in his private life.

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