Hansi Flick gives updates on Ronald Araujo and Dani Olmo fitness, rotations and praises Marc Casado
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick confirmed this Dani Olmo he is back in contention for a starting place against RCD Mallorca, despite missing out against Las Palmas due to an injury concern. He would not give a return date Ronald Araujo.
Olmo was on the bench against Las Palmas but was not brought on as the Blaugrana looked for an equaliser, while Araujo returned to training with the squad unrestricted.
“Ronald is doing really well, he's very close, I can't say if it's the next game or next week, because he must feel good. He's at a good level, he looks really good. Even Dani is back, even for the starting eleven “.
Hansi Flick can breathe easy: Dani Olmo will be ready to be a starter against Real Mallorca. @RogerTorello
— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) December 2, 2024
With Barcelona facing Mallorca away on Tuesday, followed by trips to Real Betis and Borussia Dortmund, Flick was also asked if he was considering rotating his squad. It was noted that the pressing has not been at the level it was a month ago.
“Yesterday, I thought a lot about it, about what changes, who needs rest. But when I see today, what happened, everyone is right, everyone wants to play and they are ready to play, and this is a good sign from the team. That maybe makes it easier, maybe less easy.”
“In the end we have three away games and it will be tough, but everyone is here, and today I see that they are right, the second day after the game. I can also see it in the data.”
Flick had held an hour-long chat with the players before training on Monday to try to establish what mistakes they made in their loss to Las Palmas. One player they will have back is Marc Casadowhich was suspended last week.
“He can really read the opponent's game, and he also knows exactly where to be. Maybe he makes a mistake, he has to stay here in this position, he is good at reading the games. Even with the ball, he knows exactly what to do, the right positions. It's really great.”
