Flick confirms Joan García is out and backs Szczesny for Sevilla trip

Barcelona head into tomorrow's visit to the Sánchez-Pizjuán with an enforced change in goal and a clear preference for experience. Hansi Flick announced on Friday that Joan García will miss the match due to minor discomfort in his right knee and hinted that Wojciech Szczesny will start against Sevilla. The German coach highlighted the Polish goalkeeper's role in last season's title win and insisted his side is arriving in far better shape than a year ago, when it lost at the same ground.

• Joan García is ruled out with minor right-knee discomfort and needs rest.
• Szczesny is expected to start, with Flick praising his influence on the title run.
• Barcelona are in better form than they were before last season's defeat in Seville.
• Flick warns about Sevilla's aggressive one-on-one defending at home.
• Rotations will continue, with extra rest for some players during the international break.

Szczesny set to return as Flick values his leadership in goal

The goalkeeping situation remains a major talking point at Barcelona. Flick explained that in such a demanding position quality is essential, which is why the club also brought in Livakovic. However, his comments centered on Szczesny, who he credited with a direct influence on the league triumph: Barcelona won LaLiga in large part because of the Polish keeper's saves and the confidence he gives the team from the back.

The coach also addressed Szczesny's recent mistake and said he has already spoken with him. Every player makes errors, Flick noted, but the goalkeeper understood the situation and will not repeat it. On Livakovic, he said the player is settling in and ready to feature, though the final call is always based on what benefits the group rather than any individual name.

Joan García ruled out as a precaution

Flick confirmed that Joan García's absence was decided together with the player and the medical staff. The right-knee discomfort is not serious, but the coaching staff believe he needs time to recover and avoid further risk during a crowded run of fixtures. The manager stressed the importance of protecting players and managing workloads carefully.

How Barcelona arrive at the Pizjuán and what Flick expects from Sevilla

The Barcelona boss pointed to a clear difference from the previous campaign. His team, he said, is now operating at a different level compared to that trip to Seville, which ended in defeat. For Flick, Sevilla are dangerous on home soil because of their aggressive one-on-one defending and the intensity they bring to every duel.

Barcelona's plan is to play with confidence, build cleanly from the back and control the tempo. Flick emphasized the need to move the ball quickly and avoid unnecessary dribbling in dangerous areas. The message is clear: patience to draw the opponent out, speed to break lines and sharp focus when possession is lost.

Squad rotation, the international break and managing workloads

With a demanding calendar, Flick warned that he will keep rotating. Cubarsí will return to the starting lineup after resting against Racing, a decision the staff felt was essential for the defender's recovery. The coach admitted more changes are coming, with the goal of distributing minutes without letting collective performance drop.

The international break is also approaching. Some players will get time off, while others will join their national teams. Flick acknowledged some concern whenever they leave, but he prefers to trust the national coaches and stay positive. Those who travel will have several days to recover once they return to club action.

Raphinha, Adeyemi and the positive mood in the dressing room

Flick praised Raphinha's role as the team's first defender. In the past two seasons Barcelona began the press with the striker, but the Brazilian has taken on that job with hunger and a mentality that spreads through the squad. He is not only scoring goals: his work without the ball, his effort and his status as captain make him a leader others follow.

He also spoke warmly about Adeyemi, a player he knows well. The winger is extremely quick, though Flick joked that he may not be the fastest in the squad. He highlighted his personal qualities, his integration in the dressing room and the trust he has in him. The coach recalled that Adeyemi was not in a good moment in Germany and needed a change, and he remains fully convinced of his decision.

The manager insisted that the positive atmosphere is not down to him alone, but to the work of the entire coaching staff. Good energy, constant support and daily demands help players recover faster between matches. Still, he sent an ambitious message: the team is not at 100 percent and there is room to improve.

The Madrid derby takes a back seat

Asked about the derby between Real Madrid and Atlético, Flick refused to lose focus on the immediate target. His answer was blunt: the most important thing right now is to concentrate on their own team. Barcelona are only thinking about winning in Seville and extending their strong run in LaLiga, without looking sideways at what happens elsewhere.