Flick confirms Barcelona captaincy: Raphinha and Pedri chosen, three others voted by squad

Hansi Flick has put Raphinha and Pedri at the front of Barcelona’s leadership group, while leaving the squad to choose the other three captains.

“I chose two captains, Raphinha and Pedri, and three were voted for by the team,” Flick said. He explained that both players had strong influence in the squad and were regular starters, making the decision straightforward now that he knows the team better.

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I chose two captains, Raphinha and Pedri, and three were voted for by the team.

Eric García, Frenkie de Jong and Lamine Yamal were selected by their teammates. Flick said the arrangement also reflected the injury problems and loan moves that affected previous captains. Marc-André ter Stegen, who suffered a serious injury during Flick’s first season, is now on loan at Ajax. Ronald Araújo, who missed much of last season because of injuries and issues connected to his mental health, went on loan to Liverpool.

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Playing at 4:15 p.m. will also be difficult because of the heat, but we are not making excuses.

De Jong, last season’s third captain, missed 19 matches through injury and began the new season in the treatment room after injuring his knee during the World Cup. Flick was particularly unhappy that the midfielder had played three matches for the Netherlands while receiving an injection for the injury.

Barcelona trained at 10 a.m. to avoid the heat, but temperatures still reached 29 degrees. Flick said Sunday’s 4:15 p.m. match at Mestalla would be difficult in similar conditions, but added that the team would make no excuses. Yamal missed training after taking a knock and worked in the gym. Flick said the club would decide the next day whether rest or a full match would be best for him.

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When I look at the team and the players we have, with influence in the team, I see Raphinha and Pedri. That is why I chose them.