Flick on Copa shocks: 'This is what the cup is all about'
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick addresses Real Madrid's Copa del Rey exit while explaining his rotation plans for Racing Santander clash.
Barcelona manager stays cool after rivals’ cup calamity, emphasising unpredictability of knockout football
Cup Magic
Hansi Flick showed his diplomatic side when asked about Real Madrid’s shocking Copa del Rey exit at the hands of Albacete. The Barcelona manager simply responded with the equivalent of ‘that’s football’ - “This is what the Copa del Rey is all about” - acknowledging the unpredictable nature of cup competitions while hoping his side won’t suffer a similar fate.
The German gaffer was speaking ahead of Barça’s own cup fixture, where he’s clearly taking no chances despite planning significant rotation.
Keeper Confirmation
Flick confirmed Joan García will start between the sticks against Racing Santander, making it crystal clear where the young keeper stands:
“Joan García is the number one. It’s an important match,” Flick stated, putting to bed any speculation about the pecking order while Marc-André ter Stegen remains sidelined.
Rotation Plans
Barça fans can expect to see a different starting eleven as Flick announced six changes to the lineup, explaining simply that “some players need rest” - music to the ears of squad players hoping for minutes.
Racing Respect
Despite being heavy favourites, Flick isn’t taking Racing Santander lightly. He specifically highlighted their attacking threat as “one of their main strengths” and noted they “play very well,” warning his players to remain vigilant throughout.
The comments show Flick is taking a proper professional approach - he’s not having his team caught with their trousers down like their arch-rivals were against Albacete. After Madrid’s shocker, the cup competition suddenly looks wide open for the Blaugrana if they can navigate these potentially tricky early rounds.