Hansi Flick's Barcelona face Mallorca test in La Liga amid squad tensions

The German tactician confirmed that Ferran Torres would likely step in for the injured Robert Lewandowski, and he issued a subtle warning to players frustrated by limited game time, notably Ansu Fati, who was visibly upset after being left out of the recent victory over Celta Vigo.

Flick acknowledged Mallorca's strong campaign, noting their potential to secure European football next season. "Mallorca have had a solid season and could qualify for Europe," he said. "They're experienced, defend well, and excel in transition. We need to be ready for a tough match."

The absence of star striker Robert Lewandowski remains a concern, with Flick cautious about the Pole's recovery timeline. "We hope he'll be back for the crucial games, but we don't know when or for how long he'll be out," he said. "I'd rather not speculate further."

Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is nearing a comeback, with Flick optimistic about his readiness. "He's almost there," he said. "I'll speak with him to decide the best moment for his return."

Addressing the frustrations of players like Ansu Fati, who missed out against Celta Vigo, Flick showed empathy but urged professionalism. "I understand players being unhappy, I was a player myself," he said. "They all want to contribute, but I don't understand certain reactions. We made the right call in a great comeback. We want to see positive responses, not what happens after. Everyone should celebrate the win."

La Liga's Tight Race

With La Liga fiercely contested, Flick stressed the need for improvement after a hard-fought win over Celta Vigo. "La Liga is unpredictable," he said. "We struggled against Celta, and Real Madrid did against Athletic Bilbao.

"We can't afford to drop points, but we must play better. That game was a wake-up call to fix what's not working. Real Madrid are a fantastic side, and they'll push for their goals too."

Critical Weeks Ahead

Flick emphasised focusing on Barcelona's own performances. "We need to improve every game," he said. "We have the quality to beat anyone, but only if we get it right. The energy after the Celta comeback was fantastic, and we must maintain that."

He also highlighted the importance of managing player fatigue, noting, "Fresh legs are vital. Players want to play every minute, but they must accept our decisions for the team's benefit."

Ferran Torres Steps Up

Flick praised Ferran Torres, who is set to lead the line in Lewandowski's absence. "Ferran is in great form with 10 La Liga goals," he said. "He's dynamic, contributes defensively, and plays well as a number nine. We need to manage him carefully because he's crucial for the season."

Raphinha's Leadership

The manager also singled out Raphinha for his professionalism. "Raphinha and others are fantastic leaders," he said. "The whole squad is focused on improving. I'm delighted with their work on and off the pitch."

Frenkie de Jong's Role

Reflecting on tactical adjustments, Flick addressed Frenkie de Jong's positioning. "We analyse games and guide the players," he said. "When we lose the ball, we must recover quickly. Some moments against Celta weren't good enough, and we need to address that."

Copa del Rey and La Liga Balance

Flick dismissed concerns about the upcoming Copa del Rey final affecting their league focus. "They're separate competitions," he said. "Our goal is to win, and so is theirs. There are plenty of games left after the final."

Barcelona face a pivotal moment as they aim to maintain momentum in a competitive La Liga race while navigating squad tensions and injury setbacks.

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