Flick explains key selection decision for Barcelona’s cup tie vs Racing: ‘That’s why he’s playing’

Having opted to begin Marc-Andre ter Stegen in Barcelona’s first Copa del Rey sport of the season in opposition to Guadalajara in December, supervisor Hansi Flick has opted to go along with Joan Garcia tonight of their Spherical of 16 conflict vs Racing Santander.

The German tactician had left the potential for entering into with the summer time signing open within the build-up to the match, and has now determined to begin him forward of each Ter Stegen and Wojciech Szczesny.

Talking to Movistar+ (h/t Mundo Deportivo), forward of kickoff at Estadio El Sardinero, Flick made it clear why he opted to go along with Garcia over his different goalkeepers for the cup tie.

“Joan is the primary, and that’s why he’s enjoying; it’s an vital match,” he said.

The German coach additionally defined the six adjustments in comparison with the beginning XI that confronted Actual Madrid within the Spanish Tremendous Cup remaining final Sunday in Jeddah, with the likes of Pedri, Eric Garcia, and Raphinha being benched.

“Some gamers have to relaxation, now we have to watch out with that, however everybody who performs is aware of the significance of the match,” the Barcelona supervisor mentioned.

Concerning their opponents, Racing Santander, Flick warned: “They play very effectively, they’ve a really direct fashion of play and now we have to watch out with this and be alert in defence.”

Lastly, when requested whether or not Actual Madrid’s elimination in opposition to Albacete ought to function a warning for Barcelona forward of tonight’s match, the Barcelona coach reasoned:

“It’s the Cup, these items occur, however let’s hope it doesn’t occur immediately.”