FC Barcelona will be aiming to extend their perfect start to the season when they face off against Valencia tomorrow evening at Mestalla.
With Real Madrid dropping points against Real Betis on Friday night, the Blaugrana have an excellent chance to open up an early lead at the top of the La Liga table.
Leading up to the match, the La Liga champions were handed a major fitness scare with Lamine Yamal not training with the group earlier today .
However, during his press conference, manager Hansi Flick allayed those fears, insisting that the Barcelona superstar will travel with the squad and may even play tomorrow.
"He went out to train later. He's fine for tomorrow,"the manager confirmed.
"He had a knock and it was better for him to train at a slower pace, but he's perfectly fine for tomorrow,"the German added.
Earlier today, it was reported that Flick had a decision regarding the Barcelona captaincy, handing it to Raphinha and Pedri, with three others being voted in by the squad.
Confirming the same, the Barça head coach said: "I've been here for two years and we know more about the team. I decided that Raphinha and Pedri would be captains, and the dressing room voted for Lamine, Eric, and De Jong."
On being asked as to what he thought about Frenkie de Jong's situation with regard to him not becoming the first captain, Flick explained:
"With Ter Stegen and Araujo not on the team, it's understandable that they voted for him. I chose two players because of their importance in the locker room.
"I'm happy with the team selection and the five players chosen; we'll need players who can speak up and take responsibility."
Lamine will be OK, insists Flick. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Talking about Barcelona's squad after the summer transfer window, Flick expressed his happiness with the business done by the club, saying:
"I'm very happy with the squad I have. With how they're training and how they're competing. I'm very happy with the level of this squad and with the transfer market."
The German tactician also issued a positive update on the condition of Gabriel Jesus, even suggesting that he might play against Valencia.
"I've really liked what I've seen in training. He's not 100% yet, but he can play a few minutes. He could come on in the second half, but he's definitely ready. He doesn't get nervous in front of goal,"the manager said.
Further discussing the transfer operations and the departure of a number of talented La Masia prospects like Tommy Marques, Guille and Toni Fernandez, among others, he said:
"We decided on the signings with Deco. With the departures, we had to sign replacements, and for me, it's not easy to let players from La Masia leave and tell them to go in order to improve, because I understand that their dream is to play for Barça.
"But here we want to win titles, raise the level of the team, and for the moment we're doing well. It's normal that there are changes."
Flick then discussed the team's start to the season and the attitude shown by the players so far in the new campaign, saying:
"Attitude is important, and we're having a good one that will help us win. A good team atmosphere is also important. It's important to train every day and keep improving. So far, I'm enjoying it."
"We're working to get a full points total before that first break. I see a great attitude, a great atmosphere, and that's very important,"he added.
The Barcelona manager also highlighted the importance of Jules Kounde, who has seemingly lost some of his prominence in the team this season, stating:
"He's a true professional. He's not starting as a regular this season, but he sees it as a challenge. I know he can play centre-back, but he prefers full-back because he performed exceptionally well there.
"We always think about what's best for the team, but what I can say is that he's working hard to get back to his best form."
Very happy with Raphinha's start. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Praising the brilliant start made by his captain, Raphinha, Flick said: "He's doing very well as a number 9. He has great mobility and he's showing it, just like he did when he played as a winger. He's our best option up front."
When asked about Real Madrid's loss to Real Betis last night and what he made of it, Flick instead insisted on focusing on his team, saying:
"Real Madrid played well and created many chances to win the game. The important thing for us is to focus on ourselves.
"Playing at 4:15 pm will be tough because of the heat, but we shouldn't use that as an excuse; playing at Mestalla is never easy."
On whether there will be any rotations for the game tomorrow, the Barcelona head coach remarked:
"We'll decide with Lamine whether it's best for him to rest or not. It was important for him to play 90 minutes at home to improve his morale and get back to his best, and he played very well in the last match. You'll see the starting eleven tomorrow."
