"We are cooking Girona today", "Lamine Yamal time" - Fans react as Barcelona name XI for Girona clash
Fans took to social media after Barcelona manager Hansi Flick announced their starting XI to face Girona. The last time both sides met in May 2024, Girona handed the Blaugrana a 4-2 thumping at the Estadi Montilivi.
The German tactician has led them on a brilliant charge, picking up four wins in their first four games of the season. They have also been the most exciting club to watch in La Liga, with 13 goals coming in those four games. The highlight was a masterclass performance against Real Valladolid, who they trounced 7-0 on August 31.
Hansi Flick will be looking to continue their remarkable run of form with a fifth win in a row, and he has named a strong starting XI. In goal, first-choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen starts. A backline of Alejandro Balde, Inigo Martinez, Pau Cubarsi, and Jules Kounde sit ahead of the goalkeeper from left to right.
Ahead of them are Pedri and Marc Casado in holding midfield, with Dani Olmo sitting in the playmaker role. Lamine Yamal and Raphinha will start the game on the wide flanks, alongside Robert Lewandowski, who has scored four goals in four games this season.
Fans reacted to the lineup on social media.
"😂 we are cooking Girona today. I love this lineup 🔥💙❤️" a fan excitedly claimed.
"Lamine Yamal time," another fan wrote.
"Good lineup," a third fan was pleased.
"Hopefully, the players still have their chemistry even after the international break. Vamos Barca!" a fan hoped for a win.
"Superb lineup…it’s time for some Flick’s Ball ⚽️" another fan posted.
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick speaks about facing Girona
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick spoke to the press ahead of their game against Girona.
He admitted though, that getting past Girona would not be an easy task, telling the press (via Barca Universal):
“It will be difficult because they play well, it will be a tough, high-level game, but we want to keep winning after winning the first four games. Everyone will have to give their best.”
When speaking about his plan to work around their tactical strengths, he provided insight into what Barcelona would have to do, adding:
“We know that one of their strong points is possession, we will have to press well and defend as a team, occupy positions well and not get too far away from our opponents. It will be a great game."
He will hope Barcelona can continue their strong run of form against Girona, who notably beat them in two league games last season.