Flick says Barcelona must cope with heat in Valencia test

Hansi Flick says Barcelona will face a difficult challenge at Valencia on Sunday, with high temperatures and humidity expected to add to the demands of their La Liga fixture at Mestalla.

The match is scheduled to begin at 16:00 local time, a kick-off the Barcelona manager believes is far from ideal given the conditions.

“The weather is very hot, and it is difficult to play at four in the afternoon in these conditions. Perhaps this is not the best time, but the decision has been made and we have to accept it and play,” Flick told reporters before the game.

Barcelona go into the fourth round of the Spanish league campaign knowing they will also have to contend with the atmosphere inside Mestalla. Flick expects Valencia’s supporters to make the occasion even more demanding, but insists his team will not abandon its normal approach.

“It will be a difficult match, especially in these conditions and with this crowd. But we want to play in our usual style. We know the quality of our team and how we want to play, and we have to show that on the pitch,” he said.

Rodri makes first Barcelona start

Flick also discussed his decision to start Rodri for the first time in a Barcelona shirt, with the midfielder selected alongside Pedri in the centre of the pitch.

Barcelona have also been encouraged by the recent performances of Marc Bernal, who has impressed in the team’s previous matches.

“We have a lot of quality in midfield, and Marc Bernal has performed brilliantly in the past matches,” Flick said.

The German manager added that giving Rodri a starting role would help him continue to build his physical condition. Flick said he had been impressed by the player’s work in training and was keen to see how he would combine with Pedri.

“It is good that Rodri starts the match now because he needs to improve his physical readiness. From what I see from him in training, I can say that he is a wonderful player. I want to see how the work we are doing will succeed with him alongside Pedri, and what they can offer together in midfield,” he said.

Lamine Yamal also starts for Barcelona, although Flick stopped short of confirming that the forward would complete the full 90 minutes.

The manager said the decision would depend on how the match develops, while making clear that the player is fit enough to feature from the beginning.

“We will see. He may play 90 minutes or 60 minutes; it depends on how the match goes, but he is certainly ready,” Flick said.

Barcelona’s visit to Mestalla therefore presents an early test of their ability to impose their football in demanding conditions, while the game will also provide Rodri with his first starting opportunity for the club.