FC Barcelona seek response after setbacks, says Hansi Flick

BARCELONA: FC Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has urged his players to take responsibility following two damaging defeats, as the Catalan side prepare for Sunday’s La Liga clash against Levante UD.

Barcelona are boosted by the return of Pedri and Marcus Rashford from injury as they look to close the gap on rivals Real Madrid CF in the Spanish title race.

After suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal, Barca followed up with a 2-1 league loss against Girona FC on Monday. The result handed Los Blancos a two-point lead at the top of the table.

“I think everyone is convinced about what we are doing, of course in these moments it’s not easy,” Flick told reporters on Saturday.

“For me, communication is always important. We were very honest and also very open — it’s not only me telling them what to do, I want to ask them. This is how I manage the team.

“It is important because we need leaders on the pitch, they should be able to say something. That’s how communication is, on the same eye-level.

“At the end, I have to decide things, that is my job, but I want the players to feel the responsibility about this situation, and I think they do.”

Rashford returns after two weeks out with a knee problem, while key playmaker Pedri had been sidelined for a month due to a hamstring injury.

“The positive thing is Rashford is back, Pedri is back,” Flick said. “Maybe Pedri can play some minutes — the important thing is he’s training, with his quality.”