Flick clears up doubts about Koundé's fitness and opens the door to signing another centre-back

FC Barcelona closed 2025 with a victory against Villarreal (0-2) on a great afternoon for Joan García. The Sallent native, for the second consecutive league match, kept his goal clean and made five saves against a 'Yellow Submarine' that had a dozen shots in the 90 minutes, but ultimately failed to score.

In the post-match press conference, Hansi Flick praised the work of the Catalan goalkeeper, who already has 6 clean sheets this season, all in the league. "Joan García helped us a lot today with his saves. He is an important player for us. But the whole team tries to defend and help. We work as a team," the manager began.In that regard, he admitted that **the team "was a bit tired" in the second half**, but the mentality to add another three points and go into the year-end break as leaders and with an advantage makes him feel proud

Flick trusts in Koundé's physical recovery

One of the concerning notes at the end of the match at the Estadio de la Cerámica was provided by Jules Koundé. The Frenchman had to be replaced in the 79th minute by Marc Casadó due to apparently significant muscle discomfort. Flick, however, expressed confidence in the right-back's physical condition".

I think he's fine. In the last three days, he's had problems. He's been sick. He said he would give his best. He's felt some cramps. We'll test him when we get to Barcelona, but it doesn't seem serious. We hope so," the manager commented regarding the Frenchman, still undisputed on the right wing for Barça.

Leadership and winning streak in LaLiga

Regarding closing the year with the leadership secured and a streak of eight consecutive wins in LaLiga, Hansi Flick insisted on the importance of continuing to strengthen the squad's mentality so that everyone performs at their maximum level.

"What I see in training sessions is fantastic, and that's reflected in the matches. We have a lot of quality. Today wasn't an easy game defensively, the players are tired. They need to rest," the German coach reiterated.Regarding the result against Villarreal, he added: "I am happy for the players, we won the 3 points against a great block. I like how they played. They are good, offensive. In the end, the important thing is the 3 points and that we kept a clean sheet".

The possibility of incorporating reinforcements in January

On the other hand, Flick lamented the injury of Andreas Christensen, who will be out for a long time with a partial tear of the cruciate ligament. Although the Dane's absence opens the door to signing another defender in January, nothing is yet clear about the possibility of going for any winter reinforcements.

"I will speak with Deco today or tomorrow. The important thing is that Andreas returns well. We have to support him. He was in a good moment, we saw it in the Cup and in the sessions. It's sad, another injury for him. We wish him the best," the Barça coach pointed out