Hansi Flick, Barcelona manager, expressed his great satisfaction with his current squad, praising the significant work done by sporting director Deco during the current summer transfer window.
Barcelona signed four deals during the current summer transfer window, bringing in Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi, and Jasiel Peseiro, alongside the signing of goalkeeper Dominik Livaković.
Barcelona is preparing to face Rayo Vallecano tomorrow, Monday, in the third round of the Spanish First Division league, which will be played at the 'Camp Nou' stadium.
Flick said during the pre-match press conference, as reported by the newspaper 'Sport': "I am certainly very happy with the team. Deco has built a very strong team, and there is no pressure on us. The quality level in training is high, and that is what matters most. We are truly on the right track."
Regarding Livaković's future and whether he will stay with Barcelona this season or be loaned out, Flick added: "We are happy to have both Cesc Fabregas and Livaković, and we will assess the situation later."
Concerning Frenkie de Jong and the role of the Dutch international with Barcelona this season, he clarified: "First of all, it is important that De Jong deals with his injury situation day by day. He is gradually improving, and we are waiting for a truly long season with many matches. I am happy to have Frenkie in our team. It is true that competition for a starting spot among players is fierce, but that is a positive thing. We must manage all players' conditions well, as they have played many minutes in the World Cup. It is true that all players want to play, but the team's interest comes first."
Regarding Jasiel Peseiro, Barcelona's young talent, he added: "He trains with the first team but will play with the second team. Peseiro has great potential and has shown well in training, but we need to develop it. It is true that it will not be easy for him, but he is on the right track."
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Regarding the Ballon d'Or, Flick continued: "That is not my concern. I have a complex job and should not focus on these matters. I have outstanding, top-level players in my team. Frankly, I do not enjoy talking about the Ballon d'Or. The team is the most important. It is not easy to choose a player and award them the Best Player prize, as there are many talents in the world."
He continued: "Many things can happen during the season. We are currently in a good position, and most players are physically ready. Therefore, I always say that the most important thing is how we play as a team. What we need to do is work on improving the dressing room atmosphere, and I am strongly focused on that. It is very important that we all pull together. We have wonderful players, but team spirit is the most important."
Regarding Raphinha's brilliance in the center-forward position, Flick concluded: "Pressure always starts from the forward, and Raphinha performs this role excellently. He is one of the team's leaders and is performing wonderfully. He is a very important player for us. He can play in this position, as can other players like Fermín, who recently played there."
Flick confirmed that Rodri is ready to start for Barcelona tomorrow, saying: "Rodri suffered from some problems in recent days, but he trained today and is in good shape. He is certainly ready to start. We will see now. The same applies to Bryan Gil, and also to Hamza, who truly surprised me during the pre-season."
Flick continued his talk about Rodri, adding: "An excellent player with high physical fitness. He understands his role well, and it is great to see how he is improving. It is true that it will not be easy for him, but he deserves a chance to play."
Regarding Álvaro Cortés, he clarified: "We are always looking for the best options available to us, and this situation will continue until the end of the summer transfer window. Álvaro has taken a step forward, but we must study all possibilities. The best for him right now, at his age, is to play continuously. He is ready for that and can develop. I do not know if he will get enough playing time here for his development. It would be better for him to move to another club, and we will see what happens."
Regarding the departure of more players from Barcelona before the summer transfer window closes in the coming days, Flick added: "I would have liked the season to start with everything settled, but I cannot change the current situation, and I must accept it."
Regarding Lamine Yamal, Flick concluded: "It is always good to see my players smiling. I also do not smile every day. Everyone is excited to see what Lamine will deliver. He played in the World Cup after recovering from an injury, and now he has returned from a three-week vacation. He may not be in his best form, but I am very happy with what he has delivered in the first two matches, where he played 90 minutes against Athletic Bilbao, which is great news. You may not have seen it, but he performed wonderfully in training today, and he is truly on the right track."
Barcelona had won its first two matches in the Spanish league against Elche and then against Athletic Bilbao, without conceding any goals.