Hansi Flick Fights Back: Barcelona Coach Dismisses Reports of Internal Conflict

Barcelona under pressure, Hansi Flick urges team to show greater commitment

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick rallies his team ahead of crucial LaLiga match against Girona, seeking to turn their fortunes around after consecutive losses.

“I don’t know where you have got that information from, but at the end, I’m sorry about the choice of words...”

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick rubbished reports of internal divisions at the club, specifically denying claims that Sporting Director Deco influenced his team selection for the Paris Saint-Germain match. Flick emphasized his authority over team selection and described his relationship with Deco as positive.

Ahead of Saturday's LaLiga match against Girona, Flick dismissed the reports as “total bulls*t,” stressing that he makes the decisions on team selection. He highlighted the challenges posed by the injury crisis, which has left Barcelona without eight first-team players.

Barcelona faces Girona amid a mounting injury crisis, with key players like Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, and Gavi sidelined. Despite these setbacks, Flick remains optimistic about the team's chances, emphasizing the importance of attitude and mentality on the pitch.

The match against Girona is crucial for Barcelona, who trail league leaders Real Madrid by two points. Flick urged his players to show greater commitment and fight for every ball, highlighting the significance of the game for the team's title aspirations.

“I don’t know where you have got that information from, but at the end, I’m sorry about the choice of words, but it’s totally bullsh*t, okay?!” Flick told a press conference.

“I never, never, was asked that. I really appreciate how they believe in my work. They would never ask me something like this. So I can say it’s bullsh*t! And if someone said this he’s lying.”

Barcelona is set to face Girona in a crucial LaLiga match, trailing leaders Real Madrid by two points. The team is dealing with a significant injury crisis, with manager Hansi Flick missing eight first-team players.

Robert Lewandowski's absence is particularly notable, as the striker suffered a hamstring injury during Poland's 2-0 win over Lithuania in a World Cup qualifier. Barcelona confirmed that Lewandowski has a muscle tear in his left thigh, and his return to action will depend on the injury's progression.

Lewandowski's injury adds to Barcelona's growing list of absentees, which already includes Dani Olmo, Gavi, Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Raphinha, Joan Garcia, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The team faces a tough challenge against Girona, and Flick will need to get the most out of his available players.

“I cannot change it. We have to find solutions,” Flick said of the injury woes, which have sidelined more than 30% of Barcelona’s senior squad.

“Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez came back (to training), but they cannot play the full 90 minutes. We might have to rely on players from La Masia (Academy). We will see what happens.”

Despite the injury crisis, Hansi Flick remains upbeat, buoyed by the prospect of Raphinha's potential return ahead of next week's El Clasico against Real Madrid. The Brazilian winger's return could provide a much-needed boost to Barcelona's attacking options.

“Our plan for El Clasico is that (Raphinha) will be back. There were some problems with his recovery, but he’s on a good way,” he added.

🎙️ Hansi Flick: ❝We hope Raphinha will be available for El Clásico — he’s on the right track.❞ #BarçaGirona pic.twitter.com/bWTNnfnu7y

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 17, 2025

Hansi Flick came to the defense of 37-year-old Robert Lewandowski, highlighting the striker's dedication to maintaining his physical fitness. Despite Lewandowski's age, Flick praised his professionalism and commitment to his training regimen.

“No one takes care of his body more than Robert. Maybe (Cristiano) Ronaldo, but no one else at this age is on this level. He didn’t even think he was injured while playing with Poland. It’s not good for us, but we have to work with that.”

Barcelona face Girona under intense pressure after consecutive losses to PSG in the Champions League and a 4-1 thrashing at Sevilla in LaLiga. Manager Hansi Flick is urging his players to show more commitment and fight for every ball to turn their fortunes around.

“It’s about attitude and mentality on the pitch,” he said. “We are Barca. Our fans want to see us fighting for every situation. Last season we won three titles, but this is a new season. We have to start now with the same attitude, and I think we will fight tomorrow.”

🎙️ Hansi Flick: ❝I really like Míchel’s philosophy. They’ve improved a lot in recent games, so we need to start the match well.❞ #BarçaGirona pic.twitter.com/l2oKiZug8G

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 17, 2025