Hansi Flick faces Barça’s league debut at Spotify Camp Nou against Athletic Club (21:00) with several key issues on the table. There is one week left before the transfer market closes, and Barcelona has several matters to resolve. Among them are the situation of Alejandro Balde, the future of the goalkeeper position with the arrival of Livakovic, the condition of Lamine Yamal, and although he does not like to talk about players who are not part of his squad, everything was understood when he spoke about Julián Alvarez.
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“I don’t want to talk about Julián, I want to talk about the club’s situation. We have made very good signings. The club has to think about the future. I, as a coach, ask for the best and more, but then it may or may not work. I have confidence in the team and we will have to manage things, find solutions for some matches. But our quality is enormous. The club and Deco are doing a great job for the next three and four years.”
Flick softens tone on Balde
Regarding Balde, Flick softened his stance. After leaving the fullback out of the team’s debut in Elche, the coach indicated that he will be part of tomorrow’s squad although he made it clear that he expects total commitment from the player. “He is part of the team for tomorrow. Whether he plays or not I will decide. I have spoken with him and the important thing is that he is 100% committed to us. He is 22 years old and very young, he has potential. His first season here was fantastic, but he can improve more. He comes from La Masia and has Barça’s colors in his heart, but he has to be here and improve. Every year three or four players come from La Masia who also want to play. They have to be one hundred percent committed to professional football,” he said, lowering the tone.
Balde trained normally with his teammates. Not so Gavi, who is recovering from his knee. He is expected next week in a Barça where neither Héctor Fort, wanted by Borussia Dortmund, nor Marc Casadó, who today must study the proposals on the table with Jorge Mendes, will be present.
Finally, in transfer market terms, Flick ruled out the need to bring in a central defender after Ronald Araújo’s departure, loaned to Liverpool. “I think with the players we have in defense we are fine. There are some more options. Eric can play in several positions, Jules and Gerard too. Christensen and Gerard did very well and we have Cubarsí, who for me is one of the best central defenders. Last year he played a lot and I want to take care of him because this year he will also play many matches. He was chosen as the Best Young Player of the World Cup and it’s incredible. I am very happy that he plays with us,” he concluded before sending a definitive message.
I think with the players we have in defense we are fine”
Hansi Flick
Flick also acknowledged that Barça is considering now bringing in Livakovic, the Croatian goalkeeper who arrived in Barcelona yesterday and signs until 2030. “We have talked about the situation. We have a number two, Tek, but it is good to have a goalkeeper for the coming years. We have to see what happens in the market, there is time to decide,” explained the coach who hopes
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The coach did not want to dwell too much on the tribute to the team for the World Cup, uncertain after what happened in Elche, and asked to move on. “I am focused on the match. The players did a fantastic job in the World Cup, but for me it is the past. We have to focus on tomorrow’s match.”
Regarding Lamine Yamal, Flick explained that the young forward is still recovering his best form after the holidays. “He had a small problem, he had a headache. Lamine is a genius, it’s normal. He had three weeks of vacation and has only trained a few days,” he began.
I am focused on the match. The players did a fantastic job in the World Cup, but for me it is the past”
“It is normal that he is not at his best level. We have to find a solution so he can find his best form, but I value his 60 minutes a lot. He pressed very well on the first goal and on the second he gave the ball to Raphinha. We will see how he evolves, but we need him because he is exceptional. It is normal that he wants to play. When you are a true champion, you always look to win the next title. This is his attitude,” he said of the winger who was seen frustrated against Elche for not scoring and at the substitution in the 60th minute. Lamine entered the training field accompanied by Brian Fariñas.
Lamine? When you are a true champion, you always look to win the next title”
Hansi Flick
About Rodri, Flick revealed that the midfielder will have minutes against Athletic. “The plan is for Rodri to have minutes tomorrow” and he looks forward to the partnership between Rodri and Pedri. “We also have Bernal. Rodri has more experience and is a total leader. With Pedri we will be able to control the game and the ball. Against Elche we lost many balls quickly and when Pedri came in, the game changed. We controlled the ball more and that is what we need. Rodri is one of the best and together with Pedri we will see. I am eager to see them play together at Barça. They will be at a top level.”
“All the players on the team are hungry to win the third consecutive League. We are ready and will fight for it,” he concluded.
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