Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has issued a plea for calm ahead of Saturday’s volatile Catalan derby against Espanyol, while confirming key attackers Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo are fit and ready for the powderkeg fixture.
Speaking to the press on Friday, the German coach emphasised the need for respect in the heated local clash, but insisted his side are thinking only of three points. “We are all human, and we must coexist with respect, which is the most important thing,” Flick stated. “I hope everyone behaves respectfully and appropriate.”
The derby atmosphere is expected to be electric, with memories of past fiery encounters never far away. Flick, whose side sit second but just two points off the top, knows a slip here could be costly in a tight title race.
On the squad front, Flick delivered a significant boost. “Both are fit and ready,” he said of Yamal and Olmo. “Dani has returned, participated in the practice match and looked confident… As for Lamine, he is also back and available.” Their return is a major relief for a Blaugrana attack that’s lacked spark in recent weeks.
However, the news on Ronald Araujo was more cautious. “It depends on him,” Flick admitted. “He’s doing well now, although he’s not 100% physically. He must decide when to make a full return.” The Uruguayan defender’s absence would be a blow against a physical Espanyol side.
Flick also touched on the tricky January market, admitting defensive reinforcements are wanted but hard to get. “We believe we need one more player. It’s not easy to bring in a top level player in the winter market,” he conceded, sounding a note of frustration familiar to bosses across the league.
With the title race poised on a knife edge, this derby takes on huge significance. A win for Barca piles pressure on the leaders, while a defeat could see them lose crucial ground. All eyes will be on the Montjuic and whether Flick’s call for level heads is heeded on and off the pitch.
