Hansi Flick analyzes Barça before debuting in LaLiga 2025: self-criticism and ambition

In the preview of the league premiere against RCD Mallorca, Hansi Flick spoke frankly about the evolution of the team, the pending registrations, the defensive doubts and the mentality he wants to impose in his second year in charge of FC Barcelona.

Flick and the registrations: known uncertainty, intact confidence

The German coach acknowledged his discomfort at the delay in the registration of players, although he assured that he fully trusts the management of the club. "We already experienced this last season," he recalled, insisting that he prefers to focus on what is under his control.

Flick, without euphoria: "We have to improve every day"

With the German sobriety that characterizes him —and a pinch of Catalan realism learned by force—, Hansi Flick appeared at a press conference prior to the start of LaLiga 2025-26 against RCD Mallorca. Without bombastic headlines or smoke in the showcases, the Barça coach made his priority clear: sustained growth before empty promises.

Is a central defender missing? Flick says no

Although rumors about the need for a defensive reinforcement persist, Flick does not share the concern: "Gerard can play as a central defender and has done very well in preseason," he said. A measured praise that hides a pragmatic confidence: better to adapt than to improvise last-minute signings.

Flick supports Iñigo: “The important thing is that he returns to his best level”

Hansi Flick showed his full support for Iñigo Martínez after his temporary departure from the team. He stressed the importance of a full recovery and expressed his desire for the defender to regain his usual level to contribute to the team again. “We are on his side”, he stated firmly.

Fermín, Olmo and the battle for the midfield

When talking about the competition in the center of the field, Flick was clear: "Fermín had a spectacular season. But we also have Olmo. Each player has a mission." Without favoritism or excessive praise, he hinted that rotation will be his weapon. Of course, he admitted that the start of the preseason did not convince him completely: "These last weeks have been better," he nuanced.

Without empty goals: "The goal is to progress"

In an era in which winning is demanded from day one, Flick chooses another path: "The most important thing is progress. We are on the right track, but there is still a lot to go," he said. No euphoria for the seven consecutive victories of last season: "November arrived and things went wrong."

More complete squad, but without triumphalism

When asked if the team is stronger than the previous year, the coach was cautious: "We will talk at the end of the season. We have quality, but we have to prove it." The perfect antithesis between illusion and reality.

The art of managing egos and injuries

Regarding the competition in the midfield, Flick was more of a coach than a diplomat: "It's good to have options, but it's not easy to choose." Regarding the young Marc Bernal, injured, he was protective: "He has 15 years of career ahead of him, there is no rush."

He also does not avoid sensitive issues: the departure of Iñigo Martínez or the alleged controversy with Ter Stegen. In both cases, he appealed to dialogue and mutual respect: "The most important thing is that they return to their best level and help the team."

Miami on the horizon? Better tomorrow's game

The possible game in Miami does not seem to steal his sleep: "It is not confirmed, I do not want to think about that. I focus on each game." The German, like the good chess player, plays move by move.

Second season: more pressure, same philosophy

“The quality of the training is what I expected”, he said about the present. ¿And the future? “We want to win as we train. That is the mentality I want”. For Flick, the three titles of the first year are not a goal, but a starting point.