Hansi Flick: Real Madrid Played Well, But That's Football

After Real Madrid dropped their first points of the season on Friday night, Barcelona now has the chance to take sole possession of the top spot. On Sunday, the champions visit Valencia, and a victory would make them the only team with a perfect record after four rounds. However, it has emerged that Lamine Yamal sustained a minor knock and trained separately today, making his participation in the match at Mestalla uncertain. Here's what coach Hansi Flick had to say on this and several other topics.

Lamine Yamal
Lamine felt some pain from a minor knock and trained individually. But he says he's fine and could play tomorrow. He trained separately, but he's good and will travel with the team. We'll have to wait to see if he plays tomorrow. We'll decide then. I don't know if he'll rest or not. He wants to play. He doesn't like training alone. He's currently at a very good level. His mentality and mood have improved. He was magnificent in the last match. It's better for him to play than to train. I think it was the right decision for him to start the first three games.

Real Madrid's Loss
Real played well, they had chances. That's football, and these things can happen. We want to stick to our style. It will be a tough match; we need to be prepared. It's not always easy to win.

Raphinha as a Central Striker
When he plays as a winger, he does well, and as an attacking midfielder... His work rate is fantastic. Right now, he's the best option for us. He initiates our press. He helps us a lot. We all defend well, but he's our best option for that position.

Gabriel Jesus
I liked what I saw from him. He's not 100% ready, but he could get some minutes in the second half. I liked what I saw from him – with the ball, his composure, his play in front of goal...

The Captains
We've been together for three years and we know the dressing room. I chose two – Raphinha and Pedri – and then the players chose three – Eric, Frenkie, and Lamine. There were only two changes. Ter Stegen and Ronald are not here, and Eric and Lamine are in their place. When I look at the players' influence, I see Raphinha and Pedri. I choose two, and the players choose three. I choose those who are starters. I know the dressing room. Marc wasn't playing, nor was Ronald... The teammates chose according to their preferences. Everything is going well. But at some point, maybe we'll need to talk. I need every single player. This was a good choice of captains.

The Squad
What I see in training matters, and it's fantastic. Competition is always present. In possession drills, they are at their maximum level. The important thing is to win and to win trophies. The quality is top-notch.

After the Break
We'll see if we win all our matches, but that's our goal. The mentality and attitude are there. It's incredible to see how the players work and to feel the atmosphere in the dressing room. We need to improve every day. That's what's important, and that's what I want to see. I like what I see.

Kounde as a Centre-Back
What I can say about him is that he's an incredible professional. He gives his all. I spoke with him about the possibility of playing as a centre-back, and he prefers that position. We want to help him reach his best level. We have fantastic options in all positions, and in every match, we decide what's best for the team. Decisions can change. But he works hard and wants to reach his best level.

Record Transfer Funds
Deco and I decided it together. I'm satisfied. After we had outgoing transfers, we needed to bring in players. It's not easy for me to see players from La Masia and then rely on others from outside... La Masia players dream of succeeding here, but we have to be honest, and we want to win trophies. We are Barça. I'm satisfied. Changes are normal.