No more than 4,000 kilometers away from Barcelona, Hansi Flick's Barça cannot park the complex situation that Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor are going through. After many days of legal battles, a battle that still lingers, the only reality is that a few hours before playing a whole semifinal of the Supercup, the German coach will not be able to count on the players. And especially, Dani Olmo, seems to be a significant absence, having become a key piece for Flick. “We can only wait and play. It's a situation that I have to face as a coach and maybe it's also an opportunity for the team to come together even more,” ventured the German, who also confirmed that Lanine Yamal is fully recovered from his injury and “ready” to play.
Olmo and Víctor did complete the last training session before the match with the rest of their teammates, held on field 1 of the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, next to the Al Jawhara Stadium, home of the tournament that kicks off this Wednesday with the semifinal between Barça and Athletic Club. A session that Laporta did not miss, as he jumped onto the field embracing Flick in a clear sign of support during these difficult times. The coach, however, regrets what is happening: “It hasn't been easy for the players or the team. Besides, Olmo is an excellent player who can turn any game around, of course we'll miss him.”
Raphinha
“If I were a player from another club, considering the situation of Dani Omo and Pau Víctor, I would think twice before coming”
As one of the team captains and the player who has worn the armband the most this season, Raphinha didn't dodge the situation his teammates are going through, which he described as “delicate.” “We hope that those in charge can resolve this as quickly as possible so they can play. The club gives us very positive messages but many times we know the same as the people. It's a very complicated situation, and for Dani (Olmo) and Pau (Víctor), it's quite difficult to deal with this situation,” the Brazilian explained.
As one of the team captains, and the player who has worn the armband the most times this season, Raphinha did not shy away from the situation his teammates are going through, which he described as “delicate.” “We hope that those responsible can resolve this as quickly as possible so they can play. The club gives us super positive messages but many times we know the same as the people. It's a very complicated situation, for Dani (Olmo) and Pau (Víctor) it's quite difficult to deal with this situation,” the Brazilian stated.
Before saying goodbye, Raphinha left the headline of the day with a phrase that can be interpreted in many ways but that undoubtedly represents a sharp criticism of the club's management in this whole case: “Seeing the situation with Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor, if I were at another club I would think twice about signing for Barça.” Wham.
Raphinha
“The club sends us very positive messages about the situation of Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor”
On his part, Ernesto Valverde did not avoid the controversy surrounding Barça's registration of Dani Olmo. “He is an extraordinary player and I regret his situation, but let’s not fool ourselves, if he doesn't play, it's better for us,” he honestly confessed.
The Athletic's coach, who emphasized that “we are not the favorites,” said he does not trust the recent results and specifically addressed the last defeat against Atlético: “If I watch the last game and remove the images of the goals and have to guess the result, I wouldn't. I believe no one would.”
Finally, Valverde, who was dismissively sacked by Barça after losing to Atlético in a Supercup played precisely in Jeddah, stated that he has no desire for revenge. “I know that my last match with Barça was here but I didn't even know it was in this stadium. I'm not thinking about that, they are just soccer things and now I have other circumstances and I am very happy.”
