El Clasico Showdown: Barcelona Without Hansi Flick, Marcus Sorg Ready to Lead

El Clasico Showdown: Barcelona Without Hansi Flick, Marcus Sorg Ready to Lead
Sorg set to lead Barca against Real Madrid


Barcelona's Marcus Sorg will lead the team against Real Madrid in El Clasico due to Hansi Flick's suspension. Sorg is confident despite the challenges, with Barcelona looking to continue their dominant form against their arch-rivals.


“Any team would miss Raphinha, but the situation is what it is. He is injured...” 


Raphinha won't be able to play in El Clasico against Real Madrid due to a hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined for nearly a month. Assistant coach Marcus Sorg confirmed his absence, citing the player's ongoing recovery.


Raphinha's absence adds to Barcelona's growing list of injuries, with several key players already out, including Robert Lewandowski, Gavi, Dani Olmo, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Frenkie de Jong and Andreas Christensen, however, have returned to training after being sidelined with minor issues.


Barcelona manager Hansi Flick will miss the game due to a suspension after being sent off in the match against Girona. Marcus Sorg will take charge of the team in Flick's absence.




Barcelona's injury crisis continues to bite, with 10 players sidelined since August, severely depleting their squad ahead of a crucial fixture. However, the Spanish champions are breathing a sigh of relief as key players return to training. Ferran Torres, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen, and Frenkie De Jong participated in Saturday's team practice, boosting the team's chances.


Raphinha's setback is a blow, but coach Hansi Flick will be heartened by the return of these pivotal players. Kounde and Raphinha's availability for “El Clasico” is uncertain after they missed training due to injury concerns. Lamine Yamal's rivalry with Real Madrid is generating significant buzz ahead of the match.



“Any team would miss Raphinha, but the situation is what it is. He is injured,” Sorg told a press conference.


“We'll see if Ferran (Torres) starts, we'll decide tomorrow. Jules Kounde also trained this morning and may play. I still have no idea about the starting eleven.”


Ferran Torres returned to Barcelona after leaving Spain's camp early due to leg muscle fatigue. Meanwhile, Frenkie de Jong and Jules Kounde have also been dealing with their own fitness issues. De Jong has missed three training sessions this week due to illness, while Kounde was forced out of the Champions League match against Olympiacos with a blow to the leg.




These setbacks add to Barcelona's injury woes ahead of their crucial match against league leaders Real Madrid, who currently sit two points ahead of Barca in the standings. Coach Hansi Flick will have to contend with several key absentees, including Raphinha, who is ruled out for El Clasico due to a leg muscle injury, as well as Dani Olmo, Robert Lewandowski, Gavi, and goalkeepers Joan Garcia and Marc-Andre ter Stegen.


Despite these challenges, Flick's squad is expected to receive a boost from the potential return of key players like De Jong and Andreas Christensen, who have been out with illnesses. Kounde is also expected to be available after missing a training session due to a knock, but he is set to rejoin the group soon. The availability of these players will be crucial for Barcelona's chances against Real Madrid.


Hansi Flick's Suspension

Barcelona's manager Hansi Flick will miss Sunday's El Clásico against Real Madrid due to a one-match suspension resulting from his red card in the team's 2-1 win over Girona. Assistant coach Marcus Sorg will take charge of the team in Flick's absence. Sorg, who has previously filled in for Flick, faces a daunting task against Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid, who boast a strong lineup featuring Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Junior.


Sorg acknowledged that Flick's absence will be deeply felt but expressed confidence in the team's preparation. Despite the challenges, Sorg is expected to maintain Flick's intensity and tactical approach. The team's potential starting lineup may feature Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, who are both expected to play key roles in the match. Flick's suspension adds to Barcelona's woes, as they deal with several injuries and suspensions, but Sorg's experience will be crucial in navigating the team through this tough matchup.


“Flick will always be missed because he's one of the most important parts of the team,” he said.


“I think to have Flick on the sidelines, because the players trust him, he gives them confidence - his absence does have an influence. But Flick is in a good mood, positive, motivated.”


Marcus Sorg, Barcelona's assistant coach, is set to lead the team against Real Madrid in El Clasico due to Hansi Flick's suspension. Despite the challenges, Sorg exudes confidence, emphasizing the team's strong performance in the past year. Last season, Barcelona dominated Real Madrid, winning all four matches across three competitions, scoring 16 goals in the process.


The team's impressive form included a 4-0 win at the Bernabeu and a 5-2 Super Cup final victory. Sorg's experience and tactical acumen will be crucial in navigating the high-pressure match. Barcelona's president, Joan Laporta, shares Sorg's optimism, expressing confidence in the team's ability to secure a win.




Sorg highlighted the importance of maintaining Barcelona's playing style, emphasizing the need for high pressing and defensive solidity. He also praised Lamine Yamal, saying the young player is “top” and motivated to perform well against Real Madrid. With several key players injured, Sorg will need to make strategic decisions to ensure Barcelona's success.


“It's an honour to be on the bench leading this team. It will be a tough match and I hope we can show our strengths,” said Sorg, who will face Real's new manager Xabi Alonso.


“Real have made progress from last year, they press high up the pitch, I think that's changed (from the previous term). You never know what can happen at the Bernabeu... We have to control our emotions and we’re ready.”




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