After nine days in the preseason stage. Hansi Flick closed Barcelona’s training camp at St. George’s Park with a very positive assessment of the stay in England. The German coach described the stage as “one of the best training camps” of his career and highlighted both the quality of the facilities and the growth the squad has experienced since his arrival at the club in 2024.
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Flick also valued the competitive mentality of the eight world champions he has this season. Far from seeing a problem in managing the egos that, as he explained last season, “kill success,” the German sees the world champions as great experience to drive the group. “Champions know how to win titles. That has to give them more confidence. When you work hard and focus every day, in the end you achieve something special. That is what we want to achieve this season,” he said.
Champions know how to win titles. That has to give them more confidence. When you work hard and focus every day, in the end you achieve something special. That is what we want to achieve this season”
In the offensive section, the German has his main card with the kings. Regarding the search for a center forward, Flick again made it clear that the market is still open and also his wishes. “In the end, it depends on the team and the squad. We have to wait. I have total confidence in Deco. We know we have to do something. It also depends on Ferran Torres. We will see what happens,” explained the coach, referring to the future of the Foios forward who has PSG’s interest on the table.
The club does not want to sell him. Flick has publicly reiterated his confidence in the Valencian, who finished last season offering excellent performance as an offensive reference with 21 official goals. In addition, he scored 16 goals in LaLiga, which allowed him to win the Zarra Trophy alongside Lamine Yamal. The forward, with a contract until June 2027, has not yet held talks with the club to address his renewal, although Barcelona’s intention is to sit down to negotiate in September.
In that sense, and in case the solutions end up being internal, the coach did praise Lamine Yamal’s versatility and, within the existing dilemma while Barcelona looks for a way to incorporate a number nine, he did not rule out using him again as a false nine. “He already played one or two matches in that position with us. He is a fantastic player, world-class, and can adapt to that role,” he explained, although he avoided giving clues about what the definitive solution for the forward line will be.
Flick also downplayed the possibility of strengthening the midfield due to Frenkie de Jong’s injury. The coach said he is satisfied with the players he has in that position. There are seven players competing for only three spots in the starting eleven: Pedri, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Marc Bernal, Fermín López, Dani Olmo, and Casadó himself, so he hinted that, unlike the forward line, he does not consider the arrival of a midfielder a priority. “We always think about what is best for the team. Right now we have many midfielders. We will see what happens in the coming weeks,” he said.
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Flick also confirmed that Alejandro Balde is recovering well from his back discomfort and showed optimism about his return. “He is fine, taking it step by step, but I think he will be able to play the next match against Udinese,” he said.
Another notable name was Jesse Bisiwu, an 18-year-old winger who joined just a few days ago. The coach acknowledged that he has still worked little with the group, although he highlighted his initial qualities. “You can see he is a very talented player. He also has speed. The plan is for him to continue training with us,” he commented about the 18-year-old winger who arrives with a reserve team contract.
Finally, the coach again focused on the talent of La Masia and assured that this generation offers a higher level than the one he found in his first season. Of the 17 youngsters who traveled to St George’s Park, the coach specially mentioned Ebrima Tunkara and Orian Goren, as well as praising the performance of Xavi Espart, both in the friendly against Birmingham and in training sessions.
Regarding the competition between Xavi Espart and Héctor Fort for a spot in the first team, Flick avoided taking sides: “We will see what happens. Héctor has a lot of quality, he is very fast and technically very good. He is fully committed to us.”
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