UCL 2024-25: Hansi Flick to field Barcelona’s first-choice players for Champions League match against Young Boys

Flick benched regulars Lamine Yamal and Raphinha in Saturday’s 4-2 defeat at Osasuna keeping the Champions League clash in mind.

Published : Sep 30, 2024 21:25 IST - 2 MINS READ

FC Barcelona coach Hansi Flick.
FC Barcelona coach Hansi Flick. | Photo Credit: REUTERS
infoIcon

FC Barcelona coach Hansi Flick. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Barcelona will look to put its opening Champions League defeat at AS Monaco behind it by fielding its best players in Tuesday’s home game with Swiss side Young Boys, manager Hansi Flick said on Monday.

Flick is hopeful midfielder Frenkie de Jong can return as Barca looks to bounce back after suffering two losses in 10 days, against Monaco in the Champions League and Osasuna in La Liga.

The German manager has been navigating an injury crisis, with Dani Olmo, Ronald Araujo, Gavi and goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen among the players sidelined.

He benched regulars Lamine Yamal and Raphinha in Saturday’s 4-2 defeat at Osasuna keeping the Champions League clash in mind.

Dutchman De Jong has not played since April due to an ankle injury and the 27-year-old missed the European Championship because of his recovery.

“We will play with the team we believe to be the best in order to beat Young Boys. The first game (at Monaco) we lost, yes. But we must not be depressed,” Flick told reporters.

“We have to recover our balance after the defeat at Osasuna. We have to build the game with fewer mistakes. Responsibilities must be assumed. We need fresh legs and Frenkie’s return is great news. Even if it’s just for five or 10 minutes. If he gets the chance, he’ll play,” he said.

ALSO READ | UCL 2024-25: Kylian Mbappe named in Real Madrid squad to face Lille after thigh injury

Flick previously said his choice to rest key starters affected the team in its first domestic loss of the season at Osasuna, ending a seven-game winning streak.

Young Boys will arrive in Spain following a 3-0 defeat by Aston Villa in its opening Champions League match at home.

Asked if the five-time European Cup winner has lost respect after its defeat at Monaco, Flick said, “I am positive we can win ... we play good football - entertaining football. And if we need to gain the respect of our opponents once again, we’re going to work hard on that.”

Flick added he is in contact with Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who has reportedly agreed to come out of retirement to help Barca following first-choice Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s season-ending injury.

“Yes, I spoke with him, but I’m not going to say anything more. If he signs for Barca in the next few days at the next press conference we can talk about the issue, but not now,” he said

Barcelona has been banned from selling tickets to its fans for its next Champions League away game, at Red Star Belgrade on November 6, after its supporters were found guilty of racist behaviour during its match against Monaco

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment