FC Barcelona tackle Rayo Vallecano on Monday night time on the Spotify Camp Nou within the third matchday of the 2026/27 La Liga season.
Having made a effective begin to the marketing campaign with strong wins over Elche and Athletic Membership, the reigning champions shall be keen to increase their good report to 3 video games and retain their maintain on the prime of the desk.
Barça’s opponents on the night time, Rayo Vallecano, are nonetheless in search of their first win of the season, after shedding their opening sport vs Sevilla, earlier than taking part in out a 1-1 draw towards Alaves final outing.
Forward of Monday night time’s conflict towards Rayo, Barcelona supervisor Hansi Flick addressed the media in his pre-match press convention, discussing varied points, together with the membership’s switch plans for the ultimate days of the summer season window.
Pleased with the squad
Kicking issues off, the German tactician made it clear that he was very pleased with the squad at his disposal and praised the work performed by sporting director Deco.
“Sure, I’m comfortable and we’re not below any strain. Deco has performed a incredible job. For me, that’s effective. As a coach, an important factor is to work with what we have now,” he mentioned.
On whether or not the squad was able to successful all main trophies, Flick added: “Lots can occur in a season. Everyone seems to be hungry, and now we have now to play as a group. We have to have group spirit, and that’s how issues can occur.
“The ambiance we have now right here is unimaginable, and we have now to stick with it, regardless that we have now nice gamers.”
With Alvaro Cortes on his manner out, the Barcelona supervisor was requested in the event that they deliberate on signing a brand new centre-back, to which his reply was non-committal.
“We all the time have a look at what’s potential, and we’ll see till the final day of the switch window,” he mentioned.
“As for Alvaro Cortes, he’s taken a step ahead, nevertheless it’s good for him to play on the highest degree at his age, maybe in Belgium, as a result of that manner he can enhance.
“Enjoying one other 12 months with the reserve group isn’t an possibility for him, and the most effective factor for him is to go to a different membership.”
On his ideas in regards to the switch window being open three weeks into the brand new season, Flick merely mentioned: “I can’t change it.”
On the brand new signings
The supervisor then gave an replace on Barcelona’s marquee summer season signing Rodri and whether or not he could possibly be within the beginning XI towards Rayo Vallecano.
“Rodri has had some points these previous few days, however he’s improved and will begin, however we’ll resolve tomorrow,” he mentioned.
Relating to the membership’s newest signing, Dominik Livakovic, Flick famous: “We’re pleased with Tek [Szczesny]. I’m very happy to have an skilled goalkeeper. His signing is with the long run in thoughts.”
The German tactician additionally highlighted the expertise of one other new signing, Jesse Bisiwu, saying: “He’s coaching with us and can play with Barça Atletic. He has loads of potential nevertheless it’s not straightforward, he’ll proceed to enhance in coaching.”
On the remainder of the group
Flick additionally mentioned the state of affairs of key midfielder Frenkie de Jong and the potential for him present process surgical procedure, contemplating he’s at the moment on conservative remedy for his knee harm.
“It’s essential that he takes it in the future at a time. We’ve got a protracted season with many matches. He’s a incredible participant and I’m thrilled to have him on the group,” Flick said.
“We’ll must handle everybody’s taking part in time after a World Cup. We’ve got to regulate the minutes. Everybody will wish to play, however the group comes first, not me or the gamers.”
Relating to his resolution to utilise Raphinha as a No. 9 this season, Flick defined: “As a ‘9’, he all the time initiates the strain and that’s superb.
“He’s our chief and when he begins the depth along with his dynamism he’s incredible, additionally due to his capability to attain. There are different gamers to play there at different instances within the sport.”
The supervisor additionally touched upon Lamine Yamal’s quiet begin to the season and the truth that the teenager has appeared considerably pissed off, saying:
“It’s good when a participant smiles, nevertheless it doesn’t all the time must be that manner. Lamine performed within the World Cup and has returned after three weeks of trip. The match towards Elche wasn’t his greatest, however he labored laborious for the group, and I used to be very comfortable.
“Towards Athletic, he performed 90 minutes, and it was nice to see him again at his prime degree. He’s been glorious in coaching. We’ve got to help him, and that’s what we wish to see from him.”
On the plans he has for teenager Brian Farinas, the supervisor remarked: “As for Brian, he shocked me in pre-season. He’s an ideal expertise, very dedicated, and may play in a number of positions.
“It’s incredible to see how a lot he’s improved. It’s not straightforward for him as a result of there are incredible gamers in his place, however he deserves to play.”
Touching upon the state of affairs of Hamza Abdelkarim, who was Barcelona’s prime scorer in pre-season, however has but to make his La Liga debut, Flick mentioned:
“It’s not all the time straightforward to present alternatives to deserving gamers like him. He had an ideal preseason and he’s enhancing day by day in coaching.
“He scores targets, has a great angle and a great mentality. He deserves to play and we wish to give him alternatives to point out his high quality.”
The Barcelona supervisor additionally gave his two cents in regards to the Ballon d’Or, saying: “It’s not my job to run campaigns. In fact, there are superb gamers on my group. I’m not a fan of those awards.
“When the group is profitable, the probabilities of successful these awards are increased. There are numerous good gamers in Spain, nevertheless it’s not straightforward to decide on one.”
Supply: Mundo Deportivo
