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Barcelona fans are not happy with manager Hansi Flick as he has picked Ferran Torres as the starting forward for their La Liga match against Villarreal. Many claim that Robert Lewandowski should have been the main striker instead of the Spaniard.
Flick has made a host of changes from Barcelona’s Copa del Rey win over CD Guadalajara, with Joan Garcia coming back in as the goalkeeper. Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde are the full-backs, with Gerard Martin and Pau Cubarsi as the center-backs.
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Eric Garcia and Frenkie de Jong are in the pivot today following Pedri’s injury, with Fermin Lopez playing in the attacking role. Lamine Yamal and Raphina start on the wings as expected, but the Barcelona fans are now happy about Ferran Torres getting the nod over Lewandowski as the striker today. Many posted:
Hansi Flick spoke about Lewandowski in his pre-match press conference, admitting that the striker is ready to start. He said that the Polish start was not risked in the Copa del Rey and said:
“Lewandowski is ready to play. He’s doing very well. We’re not taking any risks in Copa del Rey. He can play, and that’s good news.”
Talking about Pedri, Flick said that the midfielder was injured, but is hoping that the Spaniard will be available for the next match – the Catalan derby on January 3. He said:
“Pedri is not available. That’s part of football. He’s injured and we hope he’ll be ready for the next game. Let’s hope he’s ready for Espanyol. The risk is very high. He could play, but the risk is very high.”
Barcelona will finish the year on top of La Liga, as they are ahead of Real Madrid by a point. A win against Villarreal should see them have a 4-point lead restored after Real Madrid closed the gap by beating Sevilla on Saturday, December 20.
Hansi Flick slams FIFA for omitting Barcelona star from Best XI
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick slammed FIFA for omitting Raphinha from The Best Men’s XI. He said that it was a joke and told the media:
“There’s something I wanted to comment on. FIFA’s Best XI is a joke. It’s unbelievable that Raphinha isn’t in it. His influence was incredible. He was the top scorer in the Champions League. It’s unbelievable. And the most important thing is his influence. It’s a joke. I can’t believe he’s not in it. After this season, he deserved it. It’s unbelievable,”
Lamine Yamal and Pedri were the two Blaugrana players who made The Best FIFA Men’s XI.
Edited by Sripad
