Hansi Flick speaks ahead of the Blaugrana club's 8th La Liga matchday

FC Barcelona has had a spectacular start to the 2024/25 La Liga campaign. Being on a winning streak of 7 games, the club would push for the 8th one as they face Osasuna in an away fixture at the El Sadar next. Considering the form the Blaugrana club has been in, registering dominating wins as well as maintaining their hold in the difficult games, many expectations would be for them to maintain their winning streak.

Hansi Flick speaks ahead of the Blaugrana club's 8th La Liga matchday

Apart from the club's dynamic performance so far in the season, one of the most interesting aspects about their display has been to continue the same way, with a much-rotated lineup. In fact, this has been not only a much more efficient way to control injuries but rather a better opportunity to find the best out of young prodigies.

Speaking in the pre-match press conference, Barcelona boss Flick reflected upon the possibility of him utilizing a rotated lineup again. Flick mentioned,

""There will be some rotation; we must do it. We need experienced players too. Raphinha and Lewy.""

- Hansi Flick

Since the past few weeks, there have been many reports circling the Blaugrana club about the possibility of star midfielder ace de Jong returning for the club. As reports had indicated earlier, the Dutchman looked set to make a crucial comeback around early October, which resonated with Flick's update on his recovery progress.

The German mastermind mentioned the recovery of de Jong, saying,

""I see a lot of good things in training. Gavi is also doing well. They are increasing the pace. They can help us.”"

- Hansi Flick

Moreover, Flick made it clear that Inaki Pena would be seen in the goal again for the Blaugrana club, against Osasuna. In fact, even though in the early minutes, the 25-year-old looked a bit shaky, he steadily increased control over the fixture. So far, in his one-and-a-half game, Pena hasn't conceded a goal, showing positive signs.

Praising the prodigy keeper for his last game display, Flick commented,

""In the last match, there was a good connection between Iñaki and his teammates. Tomorrow will be a step further.""

- Hansi Flick

Overall, FC Barcelona, being on a winning run of 7 games in the La Liga season, stands as a clear favorite for their upcoming fixture. With all three components in form and star players shining for the Blaugrana club, expectations would be for them to dominate the hosts at the El Sadar Stadium.