Flick talks Lewandowski, De Jong, Rashford, Christensen, Szczesny, Joan Garcia ahead of Barcelona vs Real Betis
Flick talks Lewandowski, De Jong, Rashford, Christensen, Szczesny, Joan Garcia ahead of Barcelona vs Real BetisBarcelona manager Hansi Flick addressed the media ahead of his sides clash against Real Betis in what will be Barcelonas final home game of the 2025/26 La Liga campaign.While the match itself remains important for the Catalan side, much of the focus during the press conference centred around Robert Lewandowski after the veteran striker confirmed that he will leave Barcelona at the end of the season.Flick made it clear that Barcelona still want to finish strongly at home despite the emotional backdrop surrounding the occasion.Its always important to have goals, and one of them is to win every home game.Were up against a very strong side that has been consistent in recent seasons and boasts players of great individual quality.It wont be an easy match, but we want to end the season at the Camp Nou with a winSpecial farewell plans for LewandowskiThe Barcelona coach also confirmed that Lewandowski will start the match as part of his farewell appearance at the Camp Nou.Lewandowski will leave Barcelona at the end of the season. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)While discussing the strikers departure and Barcelonas plans moving forward, Flick stated:Robert deserves a special send-off and will start tomorrow; hes earned it. We have time to work on how to cover his departure, and there will be a time to look at the transfer market.As for next season, we still dont know what will happen, but were considering various options.The German manager then reflected emotionally on the relationship he has shared with Lewandowski over the years and revealed that the striker has already privately said goodbye to the dressing room.Weve spoken about it and hes already said his goodbyes to the team. Its been a very important spell for him at Barcelona.Ive been working with Robert for four years; weve won nine titles together and its been a privilege to share this journey.Hes a great professional, always striving to perform at the highest level, and hes also been a role model for the younger players. Now well have to start rebuilding the team.Flick continued by highlighting the impact Lewandowski has had beyond goals and performances.Hes an example to us all. Hes always given his all, and its been a privilege to work with him and see the effort he puts in every day.Whats more, hes always been there during the toughest times.The Barcelona coach also briefly addressed possible exits during the summer transfer window, stating,I dont think there will be any more departures, although in football you can never rule anything out.About the matchFrenkie de Jong will be unavailable tomorrow. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)Furthermore, the German manager also confirmed that there will be changes to the lineup against Betis while providing updates on several players.Tomorrow we will see a different team from the one that played in Vitoria.Frenkie wont be available because hes not feeling well and thats already been decided.As for Rashford, we still have to wait and see, although theres a chance he might be with us.Flick additionally revealed that Andreas Christensen could receive minutes during the match.The plan is for him to get a few minutes tomorrow. We assessed him in the last match, although you always have to manage each game as it unfolds.The goalkeeping situationFinally, the Barcelona manager clarified the goalkeeping situation and explained why Joan Garcia will start.The decision has nothing to do with the Zamora Trophy.The important thing is to manage Joans playing time. Szczesny deserved to play the last match and tomorrow it will be Joan Garcias turn.Source: AS