Flick "proud" of Yamal and hopeful about Raphinha

Flick praised Yamal's response to missing the Ballon d'Or and expressed hope Raphinha can manage his minutes better with Brazil after recent injury.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick held a pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's La Liga fixture against Alavés at the Spotify Camp Nou (21:00 CET). The match comes after back-to-back defeats to PSG (4-2 in the Champions League) and Real Madrid (1-2) that halted the club's eleven-game winning streak.

Flick offered strong support for Lamine Yamal following his disappointment at missing out on the Ballon d'Or. "I am very proud of Lamine," Flick said. "He reacted very well. In training he was fired up. That's how champions respond. His mentality is very good for the team." The manager also praised Pau Cubarsí, who won the award for best young talent.

On Raphinha, Flick acknowledged the Brazilian's importance but expressed frustration about managing his international commitments. "He is a very important player for us and arrived injured after the last international break," Flick explained. "I have spoken with Deco about this. I know Raphinha is captain here and carries the club in his heart, but he is also Brazilian and when his country calls, he is there. If we could manage his minutes a bit better, I would be happy. Going back and forth to Singapore is not ideal, but it is not something in my hands."