FC Barcelona has won every league game since its defeat in El Clásico. Will it be the same on Saturday against Real Betis? Hansi Flick had plenty of praise for the team on Friday.
Everything remains the same after a busy week in Spain: FC Barcelona won their top match against Atlético Madrid 3-1 on Tuesday, and one day later, Real Madrid followed suit—the Royals also passed their tough test with a 3-0 win at Athletic Bilbao.
For Barcelona, it was their fifth league win in a row, and ahead of the game at Real Betis, Eric Garcia also extended his contract with the Catalans ahead of schedule until 2031. The versatile 24-year-old was deployed alongside Pedri in the double six against the Rojiblancos and did a very decent job.
Flick can imagine Eric as captain
Flick revealed himself to be a fan of the defensive specialist on Friday. “We have been able to see his potential since our arrival,” said the coach. “He is very professional and has focused on playing soccer. That’s important if you want to be a leader. You need a professional, disciplined attitude. He gives his all for the team. Whether he plays as a full-back, center-back or comes off the bench.“ Flick did not even rule out the captaincy for the future. ”Why not? He gives his all for the club.”
Flick also had positive news to report from the Catalans’ infirmary. Fermin, who had recently been injured, will return to the squad and could replace Dani Olmo, who injured his shoulder against Atletico and will be out for about a month. Frenkie de Jong has also recovered from his flu-like infection and will be available for the game against Betis.
The team has also been boosted by the return of Raphinha. The Brazilian scored his first goal after a two-month injury break against the Rojiblancos, having already set up two goals in the 3-0 win over Deportivo Alaves a few days earlier. “We have a very good relationship. He is a very, very important player for us and has shown why. He always initiates the pressure, is intense with and without the ball, brings us a lot – he’s fantastic,“ Flick praised. The German coach also sang the praises of Lamine Yamal. Against Atletico, the 18-year-old did not score, contrary to his usual habit, but showed a strong performance in training. ”I really liked him today, he was incredible. The level he’s showing is fantastic,“ Flick enthused. ”I love seeing him and having him at this level. I like him because when he’s fouled in a tackle, he doesn’t go down, he wants to keep going. Lamine is fouled 90 percent of the time, but he wants to keep going.”
