Hansi Flick Confident in Barcelona Squad Ahead of LaLiga Opener
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has expressed full confidence in his squad as they prepare to face Valencia in their opening La Liga match. Despite the recent managerial change and the departure of club legend Xavi, Flick believes he has a strong team capable of competing at the highest level.
The German tactician, renowned for his success at Bayern Munich, replaced Xavi in May and has made two signings so far: attacking midfielder Dani Olmo and fellow Spaniard Pau Victor. However, Olmo will miss the Valencia clash due to fitness concerns.
Hansi Flick replaced Xavi at the Catalan club after they sacked the former midfielder in May, just four weeks after he confirmed he would honor the last year of his contract.
And the 59-year-old, who led Bayern Munich to two Bundesliga titles and one UEFA Champions League victory, a Club World Cup and Super Cup crown, among other honours, said he was happy with his team.
“I am satisfied with the squad I have, the rest is a question mark,” Flick told reporters on Friday.
“When I signed my contract, I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I trust the club blindly. And I am happy with the team, with what it offers. We have injured players who will gradually come back. We are still a strong team.”
Flick confirmed that Olmo, who helped Spain win Euro 2024, will not be available to face Valencia.
“Olmo is not in good physical condition, he started late, and we will look after him. He won’t be here. We want everyone to be well and play injury-free,” he said.
The head coach did, however, confirm Lamine Yamal, whose father Mounir Nasraoui is in a ‘serious but stable’ condition after being stabbed on Wednesday in a car park in the northeastern Spanish town of Mataro, according to Spanish national TV broadcaster TVE, would play.
Valencia finished ninth in LaLiga last season, and the German is not expecting an easy outing for his first competitive game in charge of Barcelona.
“I am very much looking forward to this first game. Valencia is a special place,” he said.
“It will be a tough game. Our opponents have shown that they play good, attacking football. You have to watch your lines… It will be difficult.”
