Hansi Flick says Barcelona are satisfied with their start to the 2026-27 LaLiga season, with two wins from two matches, while sporting director Deco continues to assess whether the squad can be strengthened before the transfer window closes.
Speaking ahead of the meeting with Rayo, Flick also discussed Frenkie de Jong, Lamine Yamal, goalkeeper Tek, several emerging players and Barcelona’s plans for the final days of the market.
Flick happy with Barcelona squad
Flick said he is pleased with the quality and atmosphere within the squad, while stressing that Barcelona are under no pressure to make another signing.
I’m happy with the team I have. Deco is working to see if he can strengthen it. But we’re under no pressure. So far he has done a fantastic job. For me, everything is fine. I see quality in training, and we’re doing well. We’re on the right track.
He added that Deco is still exploring the market, but said the club’s current position is positive.
Tek and Livakovic
Flick confirmed that Barcelona remain satisfied with Tek and explained that Dominik Livakovic’s arrival is viewed as a move for the future.
“We are happy with Tek, and Livakovic knows the situation. It is a signing for the future. We are happy with his signing”.
De Jong’s progress and workload
The Barcelona coach praised Frenkie de Jong’s improvement and quality, while warning that the club will need to manage his minutes during a long season that includes the World Cup.
Let’s take it day by day. He has improved. The season is long and he is a fantastic player. I’m happy that he’s here, he has quality and we need him to achieve our objectives. We have to manage the load of minutes, there are World Cup players… we have to monitor and manage it, and everyone wants to play. But the team is the priority, neither me nor any individual player. It is the club.
Bisiwu to continue with the reserves
Flick said Bisiwu will train with the first team but continue playing for Barcelona’s reserve side, where he can keep developing his potential.
I think his situation is clear. He trains with us but plays with the reserve team. He has potential. He is doing very well, but he can improve and I’m sure he will.
Flick not focused on the Ballon d’Or
Flick dismissed questions about the Ballon d’Or, saying his priority is Barcelona’s collective success rather than individual awards.
“No, it’s not my job. Mine is already difficult enough without having to keep track of that. There are many good players on my team. I’m not a fan of these things. I’m concerned about the team; if it is successful, there are more chances of winning individual titles. There are world-class players and it isn’t easy to choose just one”.
Team spirit remains central to Barcelona’s plans
Flick said Barcelona’s objectives will depend on their ability to remain united throughout the season, rather than relying on one or two individuals.
“In one season, many things can happen. But, as of today, we are doing well. Everything has to do with how we play as a team. It’s not about one player or two, it’s about being connected and being a team. The setting and the atmosphere are very good and we have to keep it that way. It is important to achieve our objectives. Team spirit is very important”.
Raphinha’s role as a number nine
Flick explained why Raphinha continues to operate as a central striker, highlighting his pressing, leadership, intensity and finishing ability.
“As a number 9, he starts the press well. And he is a leader on the pitch. He has intensity. And in front of goal he does very well. That’s why he plays there. It’s not a problem for him. Fermín can also play there. He played the final minutes and also scored”.
Hamza will receive more opportunities
The coach said Hamza has earned playing time after an impressive pre-season and strong work in training.
“No siempre es fácil, we think about giving minutes to those who deserve them, and he deserves them. He had a great preseason and trains well. He is doing very well in front of goal, and he also has the right mentality. He deserves to play and will get minutes. We have to give him opportunities to show his quality”.
Rodri and Fariñas available
Flick said Rodri has recovered from minor recent problems and is ready to start, although a final decision will be made later. He also praised Fariñas for his talent, fitness and versatility.
“Rodri has had some minor issues in recent days, but he’s fine now. He’s ready to start, but we’ll see. Fariñas, like Hamza. He has surprised me a lot, he is an excellent player with a lot of talent, he is very fit and committed. He can play in several positions. There are many players in midfield, but he deserves to play some minutes”.
Álvaro Cortés could leave Barcelona
Flick confirmed that Barcelona are continuing to consider their options until the transfer window closes. He believes Álvaro Cortés needs regular football and that a move to Belgium could benefit the young player.
We are always looking at what we can do, right up until the end of the market. All clubs do it. Álvaro has taken a step forward. At his age, he needs to play. It’s good for him to play in Belgium. Here he might not have the minutes he needs. And staying with the reserves is not an option.
Barcelona transfer window plans
Although Flick would prefer the squad to be settled before the season begins, he acknowledged that some decisions are outside his control.
“I prefer to have everything done at the start of the season, but there are things I can’t change”.
Flick backs Lamine Yamal
Flick defended Lamine Yamal after concerns about the winger’s emotional state, saying the teenager remains on a strong sporting path following an injury, a World Cup appearance and a short holiday.
It’s good that Lamine smiles, but every day is the same, I don’t smile every day either
Always good to see a player smile, but not every day is the same. I don’t smile every day either. Everyone is worried about him, but he played in a World Cup after an injury. He had three weeks of vacation. He has played two matches; the first perhaps wasn’t the best, but I’m happy because he gives us more, creates chances… against Athletic he played the full 90 minutes, I saw him at a top level. Today he was excellent. He’s on a very good path. We have to support him, and I’m going to do it.
