Barcelona manager Hansi Flick said that Raphinha may need to step back to fully recover from his hamstring injury. The Blaugrana boss also pointed out that playing against lower league opponents in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey is not always easy – with a little extra spice.
The Blaugrana have so far faced CD Guadalajara (0-2), Racing Santander (0-2) and Albacete (1-2) en route to the semi-finals, where they will face Atletico Madrid on Thursday in the first leg at the Metropolitano. It was put to Flick that others said their running in this section was easy.
“Ask Real Madrid,” Flick replied with a smile, referring to Albacete’s stunning victory over Los Blancos in the Round of 16. Flick elaborated that he respected Segunda teams rather than taking a shot at Real Madrid.
“It was the right answer. We have to respect the teams in Segunda. Last year we played in Barbastro, we followed Betis and Valencia, and the results were better than this year. It was the same in Albacete and Santander. We have to respect those teams. It’s a cup, and they show quality. They were able to beat Primera teams. For me, it doesn’t make sense (to cause a dispute with Real Madrid). [the media]it doesn’t treat me well. It only works to waste energy, and I don’t like it.”
Draw on Raphinha and Rashford’s injuries
The Blaugrana will travel to the Metropolitano with a significant injury list, including Gavi, Pedri, Andreas Christensen and most recently Marcus Rashford.
“We had some problems. Rashford is not ready; he has a knock. It is not good news, but I believe in my team. The situation is not easy. We are playing with a good team. I saw the cup match with Betis, and it was amazing. Cholo is doing a good job at Atletico. Thank you very much for what I saw. It will be a difficult game tomorrow.”
Another highlight is the absence of Raphinha who was expected to recover early but is yet to return to training.
“Step by step. We have to take care of him. He is a player who gives everything, with great intensity. If he feels something, we have to be careful. This is the situation. I am not happy because we need him, like Pedri, Gavi, Andreas, or Marcus.”
“He has nerves in his muscles and we have to take care of his body. Sometimes it’s better to step back to move forward. We have to support him and keep a close eye on him.”
Flick: “If the stadium is really bad, it’s not good. We have to take care of the stadiums; generally in Spain I see the stadiums in good condition.”
– barcacentre (@barcacentre) February 11, 2026
Hansi Flick praises Jules Kounde despite form
After giving a candid response to Ronald Araujo’s mental health battle, Flick was asked about one of Barcelona’s most criticized players this season, Jules Kounde. The Frenchman has struggled to find better form this season.
“Jules is a fighter. He is always focused. We are all human, and maybe you don’t have your best day, but he always fights. Even if he doesn’t start well. I appreciate what he does. He has a high mind. He will show that tomorrow. It will be a difficult game for everyone. I like what I see from Atletico who are clear, with a clear philosophy.”
