FC Barcelona Coach Flick Provides Update On Angry Raphinha

FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick discussed his forward Raphinha, at a prematch press conference that previewed Wednesday’s Champions League quarterfinal first leg clash against Borussia Dortmund.

The Brazilian was furious following Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Real Betis in La Liga, and was caught on camera pushing sidelined goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen as he headed down the tunnel.

There have been whispers that Raphinha might be nursing a minor injury or suffering from fatigue, but Flick put such rumors to bed when speaking before reporters on Tuesday afternoon.

“I don’t think he’s not fresh. After the break we gave him a little time to recover, but in training he is as always – fantastic. We have kept an eye on him, but he is very dynamic and ready for tomorrow’s game,” the German insisted.

Being drawn into remarking on the registration debacle surrounding Dani Olmo and Pau Victor was something that Flick wouldn’t allow, though.

“We have a very important Champions League match against Dortmund. These issues are managed by the club and I focus on my work,” he stated, when given the chance to do so.

On the other side of the ball in Montjuic, Flick will encounter a figure he knows well in current Dortmund manager Nico Kovac.

“I’m not sure if it’s good to have worked with Kovac,” Flick confessed. “I know things about him, but we have to be prepared. I have a lot of appreciation for him, he is a very good person and I am excited to see him tomorrow.

As for the work that Kovac has done with last year’s UCL finalists, who lost to Madrid at Wembley, Flick noted a change in his opponent’s level of confidence.

“Their recent results have given them confidence and they have managed to play as they wanted and score goals”.

“These last few months have improved [Dortmund]. They are a very fast team with a lot of offensive qualities,” Flick further added.

The Blaugrana tactician did not accept that Dortmund might be weaker because of last-minute injuries to key players on the eve of the mouthwatering fixtures, and pointed out, “I always like to play against the best” before wrapping things up.