Flick 'passes' on the controversy over Joan García's number: "It's only for the tour"

Hansi Flick assessed the performance of his players in FC Barcelona's victory against Vissel Kobe (1-3). For the coach, the team had a "very good" first half hour, although the intensity dropped in the quarter of an hour before the break.

The 'culés' went ahead with a goal from Eric García in the 33rd minute, but a mistake by Pau Cubarsí in the exit led to a counter-attack that ended in the equalizing goal, scored by Taisei Miyashiro. In the second half, Roony Bardghji and Pedro Fernández 'Dro' gave the Catalan team the victory.

"It has been a good match. I am very happy with how it has gone because in the last few days we have not known if we would travel, when... I thank you for the welcome we have had. I liked the intensity of the opponent, it is good for us," argued the coach.

Flick dismisses the controversy over Ter Stegen's future and Joan García's debut

On the other hand, the German coach was asked about Joan García's debut. The Catalan, as expected, was in the starting lineup in the 'azulgrana' goal, but the striking thing about his debut was seeing him with the '1' on his back.

Although he will be out due to injury for the next three months and the club prioritizes his departure, the owner of this number is still Marc-André ter Stegen. In that sense, Flick ruled out fueling controversies related to the future of the 33-year-old goalkeeper.

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"Pedri also wore the 8, Lamine Yamal I think wore the 10...", he said with a laugh to conclude: "No, seriously, it is not official yet, it is only for the tour". For the moment, García has not been registered in LaLiga, so he does not have an official number.

The club's idea is to resolve his registration in the coming weeks. If by then Ter Stegen is still a Barça player, the former Espanyol goalkeeper will probably wear the number '12', which has been free for three seasons.

The '13' may also be vacant if, finally, Iñaki Peña resolves his departure from the 'azulgrana' team. The player from Alicante traveled to the Asian tour and, for the moment, is the only goalkeeper of the first team with a license to play, since Wojciech Szczesny's contract ended on June 30 and the employers have not yet authorized his renewal.

The work with young players continues to give results to the coaching staff

Similarly, Hansi Flick took advantage of the post-match press conference to congratulate the youth players who debuted in the second half against Vissel Kobe. Jofre Torrents played 33 minutes, while 'Dro' played the last 13', enough to make his debut as a 'culé' goalscorer.

"I really liked the debut of Jofre Torrents and Dro, also of the rest. I see them training and they have quality. Dro has scored a goal and the same for Jofre, Roony... They have all done a good job and I am happy to have them. We have to take care of them, help them improve. That is our job and we will do it," said the Barcelona coach.