'I have my plan' - Hansi Flick talks managing Pedri and Lamine Yamal's minutes ahead of crunch week for Barcelona

"Managing players and their playing time isn't easy. I talk to all the players; they know whether they're going to play or not. I have my plan, but I also place this responsibility on the players because they have to learn to manage themselves to play for the next two weeks. We need everyone until the end of the season."

"[Pedri] could certainly play [tomorrow], but we'll see because there are more matches coming up in the next two weeks. But he's fine. We'll have to see how he's managed. There will be quite a bit of rotation on Saturday with Newcastle in mind, and the coach has even changed the team's travel plans to ensure maximum rest and recovery time."

Barcelona faces a critical period with major La Liga and Champions League fixtures before the international break. Lamine Yamal has been the team's standout performer this season, while Pedri recently returned from injury after playing 90 minutes against Atlético Madrid. With matches against Athletic Bilbao and Newcastle scheduled just three days apart, manager Hansi Flick is implementing careful player management strategies. Flick confirmed Pedri is healthy but may be rested, while Yamal's participation will be decided after consultation with the player. The coach emphasized collaborative decision-making with players regarding playing time and rotation, and has adjusted travel plans to maximize recovery time between the two crucial matches.

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