‘I spoke with him’… Hansi Flick speaks about possibly rotating 17-year-old Barcelona superstar against Girona | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are set to play yet another game in less than 24 hours from now in La Liga. After already having been forced to play a rather inconvenient game against Osasuna, this is yet another big hurdle for Hansi Flick’s team. Fortunately, Barcelona have proven already that they are capable of dealing with it.

However, there are reports suggesting that the German coach could look to make some rotations here. The players are undoubtedly fatigued and there is a rather packed schedule of games up ahead that Barça needs to get through, so it makes sense why the coach would be considering that.

Set to face off against Girona now, Barça’s recent win over Osasuna did at least give them the perfect boost that they needed right after the international break. However, there is now a question arising regarding the potential playing time of Lamine Yamal in this upcoming Catalan derby.

Ahead of the game itself, as highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick spoke about Yamal’s current physical feelings and how he expects his players to be open about their own fitness:

“I think Lamine is very intelligent and knows how to manage the game. I spoke with him this morning to see how he’s feeling, and he’s very positive. I always talk to the players. If they feel something, they can come and tell me. Each player is responsible for their own body. If something is wrong or feels different from usual, they have to speak up.”

The Barcelona coach went on to highlight the importance of such communication, and how issues can arise from a lack of it as well:

“That’s what we want because, from my experience as a player, if you notice something and don’t take care of it, it eventually leads to problems. I want the players to take responsibility for their bodies. It’s a crucial aspect of playing professionally at a club like Barça.”

Despite having been a pivotal part of Spain’s squad during the recent international break, Lamine Yamal returned back to club duty and started against Osasuna as well. However, due to the fact that he is still just 17 years old, the club must be careful with the load that is put on him.

Moreover, considering the fact that Raphinha will most likely be ready to start this game and so will Robert Lewandowski after starting on the bench in the last game, this could be a good chance for Yamal to get rotated as well. With a big Copa del Rey clash coming up against Atletico Madrid soon as well, Barcelona will need every player fresh and ready for that game too.

Unfortunately, the recent loss of Dani Olmo to injury should at least act as an eye opener for the Catalan club. While his relationship with injuries is especially worrying, Barcelona must go on carefully when it comes to protecting their players as much as possible.