Hansi Flick bets on Fermín's continuity and reveals Gavi's physical condition

Hansi Flick had one of the most intense press conferences since his arrival at FC Barcelona this Saturday. For the first time, the German coach had to speak about the possible departure of one of his trusted men, Fermín López. An uncomfortable situation for the coach, as he understands that the decision is in the hands of the player and the club.

"I focus on the team and not on the financial situation. I would love to keep all the players. The rest are things that you have to ask other people," he began by saying when referring to market rumors. "I don't know if something will happen. It's crazy and you never know what's going to happen," he added regarding the closing of the transfer window.

"Market closed? I know it's an interesting topic but it's not in my hands that it hasn't closed yet. There are two days left. We see the finish line"

Hansi Flick believes that Fermín will stay, but...

In that sense, the Azulgrana coach assumes that Fermín prefers to continue at Barça, but understands that, until the market closes at midnight on Monday, no last-minute change can be ruled out.

"For the moment, he is here. I have spoken with him. I am sure that he will stay, but I don't know what will happen. We have to wait. I will be happy when the transfer market closes," he said with an ironic smile. Similarly, he assured that he had spoken with López, whom he sees calm and focused on the match against Rayo.

"I have given him my opinion and it is something that remains between him and me. There are many people who may know more. This is a great business. I focus on my team and I am happy that he is at Barça. Fermín is an important piece. His style is different and he can help us a lot," Flick pointed out regarding the future of the player from Huelva.

In principle, Chelsea and Newcastle are the teams most interested in the '16' culé, whose transfer can leave at least 70 million euros in the culé coffers. Barça needs to raise money, but is not willing to sacrifice its figures to resolve its problems with 'Fair Play', unless a player asks to leave. Which, with the one from Huelva, does not seem to be going to happen.

"Fermín knows that we want him to stay. I saw him normal. His heart says Barça. At Barça he is at home, he is fine here"

Flick reveals Gavi's condition and gives his opinion on the pitch in Vallecas

Another important point in Hansi Flick's press conference prior to Rayo-Barça had to do with Gavi's physical condition. The midfielder will be out in Vallecas due to an injury to his right knee suffered during Friday's training session.

Although, in principle, it did not seem important, being the knee operated on in 2023, Barça has preferred to give him rest on Sunday. The '6' will also not go with the Spanish National Team to the matches against Bulgaria and Turkey, for the World Cup qualifier.

"We hope he will be against Valencia, after the break, but we have to see how he evolves. He is better than yesterday. He has to focus and recover. On working and having discipline. We are optimistic," Flick explained about the physical condition of the Andalusian.

Likewise, Flick made clear his annoyance at the conditions in which the pitch in Vallecas is. A factor that, without a doubt, can further complicate things for a Barcelona that prioritizes possession and high pressure to deploy its offensive football.

"The state of the pitch cannot be changed. It affects both teams," assured the coach, who also made clear the key to staying with the three points in Madrid. "They do it very well, they orient themselves to each player, they play with intensity... but we have to play with conviction. We have to use the spaces they leave us."

Another confirmed absence for the Azulgrana team on Sunday will be Marc Bernal. Although the kid already has medical discharge, Flick revealed why he is still not being called up. "Today I told him that he has taken a great step forward. He is making a great effort to return. He is closer to returning, more than we expected. But we have to take care of him."

The Champions League, the main objective of Hansi Flick's Barça for the 25/26 season

Finally, the FC Barcelona coach spoke about the draw for the league phase of the Champions League and his feelings for the new edition. Beyond talking about specific rivals, Flick did not hesitate to set the tournament as the main Azulgrana objective for the 25/26 season.

"This new chapter is crazy. I saw it (the draw) with my assistant Marcus. It is interesting. We are happy to play it. Last year we had a great semi-final and we deserved more... we will strive and try."

Barça will debut in the Champions League visiting Newcastle on Thursday, September 18. Their first home game will be against the current champion, Paris Saint-Germain, on Wednesday, October 1. Afterwards, the culés will receive Olympiacos before traveling to Bruges on the fourth matchday.

The last two dates of 2025 will be against Chelsea in London and Eintracht Frankfurt at home. In January, the league phase will conclude with the visit to Slavia Prague and the match in Catalonia against Copenhagen. For the second consecutive season, Barça debuts as a visitor and closes the league stage at home, this time at the request of UEFA due to the remodeling works of the Spotify Camp Nou.

"I think that all clubs like Barça have the same objective: to win the Champions League. It is the best competition we play"