Barcelona coach Flick focuses on Galatasaray amid Vinicius questions
Hansi Flick spoke to reporters before Barcelona's Champions League game at Galatasaray. He stressed that his players must be ready for a difficult atmosphere and suggested Gabriel Jesus could keep his place after scoring on his first start. Flick declined to answer questions about Real Madrid and Vinicius Jr, saying he wanted to respect Galatasaray.
Hansi Flick met reporters in Istanbul before Barcelona’s Champions League Week 2 fixture at Galatasaray, set for RAMS Park on October 12, 2026. He warned his squad about the host crowd’s intensity and praised Galatasaray’s progress against strong opponents, stressing collective resilience.
Flick confirmed captain Raphinha remains unavailable. He said Gabriel Jesus, scorer on his first Barcelona start against Getafe, is ready, though the lineup call would come after training; Flick called the forward a pleasant surprise with excellent conduct. Asked about Real Madrid and Vinicius Jr. after the Brazilian’s weekend sending-off for a hair pull and Jose Mourinho’s press absence, Flick declined, citing respect for Galatasaray, and deferred El Clasico talk by two weeks.
Flick’s decision to keep focus on Galatasaray may calm Barcelona’s preparations and limit a media storm around Vinicius Jr. and Real Madrid. Supporters, journalists, and rival fans could still debate the non-answer, while players may benefit from fewer external questions. The episode may also reinforce expectations that managers protect team concentration before major fixtures, though its wider social impact is likely limited to football culture and online discussion.