Hansi Flick was emphatic in his pre-match press conference ahead of Thursday’s game against Athletic Club at Spotify Camp Nou when asked about Rodrigo Hernández, who has been training with the squad since last Monday. “Yes, he can play. We are planning for him to play,” said the German Barça manager.
Flick was also asked about how Rodri’s partnership with Pedri could work and took the opportunity to mention Marc Bernal as well. “We also have Bernal. Rodri has more experience and he is a complete leader. With Pedri, we will be able to control the game and the ball. Against Elche, we lost possession too quickly on many occasions, and when Pedri came on, the match changed. We controlled the ball more, and that is what we need. Rodri is one of the best players, and we will see how things develop alongside Pedri. I’m looking forward to seeing them play together at Barça. They will be at a top level.”
Regarding Gavi, Flick confirmed that the midfielder will miss both the Athletic match and Monday’s home fixture against Rayo Vallecano due to the bruising he suffered on his right knee in Elche. “He is fine. He feels much better than after the game. The scans show that the situation is not serious. We have to wait a week before he returns.”
Flick also provided a detailed explanation of the many options he has in defence. “I think we are in a good position with the defenders we have. We have some additional options. Eric can play in several positions, and so can Jules and Gerard. Andreas and Gerard did very well, and we also have Cubarsí, who for me is one of the best centre-backs. Last year he played a lot, and I want to look after him because he will also play many matches this season. He was chosen as the Best Young Player of the World Cup, which is incredible. I’m very happy that he is playing with us.”
Finally, Flick spoke about the visit of his compatriot Edin Terzić, who replaced Ernesto Valverde on the Athletic Club bench, Barça’s opponent tomorrow. “I know him very well. He came to see me in Barcelona. He has a clear structure, plays simple football, and has the same philosophy as Athletic. He fits very well into the team.”
Hansi Flick, FC Barcelona’s head coach, also appeared at a press conference ahead of the clash with Athletic Club, and one of the topics that came up was the potential signing of Julián Álvarez. The Barça coach held a meeting yesterday with president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco at the Ciutat Esportiva, with the Atlético Madrid striker’s situation on the table. Today, he delivered a brief but decisive statement.
“The president gave a clear message yesterday. Deco and I fully agree with it,” Flick said.
In a later response, he expanded on Julián Álvarez’s situation and the club’s efforts to build a competitive squad. “I don’t want to talk about Julián. I am only focused on the situation of the club. We have made some very good signings in this transfer window and our objective is clear, but the club also has to think about the future. Not just the present. Of course, as a coach, I would say: ‘Give me the best players I can have, and more.’ But that may or may not work. I have complete confidence in the quality we currently have in the squad. Obviously, we have to manage certain situations and perhaps find solutions for some matches, but the quality we have is enormous. The club and Deco are doing a great job because they are also looking ahead to the next three, four, or five years. That is a good thing and it brings stability to the club, which is what we all want,” Flick said, praising the work done this summer to improve the team and raise its level.
Amid this uncertain situation, Julián Álvarez did not train with Atlético Madrid today. Sources from the club explained his absence by saying that “the player had a bad night.” With only six days remaining until the transfer window closes, Barça will push hard to explore every possibility of signing Julián, who continues to maintain his desire to wear the Blaugrana shirt.