Hansi Flick talks Olmo, Roque, Fermin, La Masia, transfers ahead of Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona | OneFootball

Barcelona will return to action just two days after their last game as they take on Rayo Vallecano away from home tomorrow in La Liga.

With two wins in two matches, the Catalans have made a perfect start to the league under new manager Hansi Flick and will be eager to carry that momentum forward.

Ahead of tomorrow’s contest at the Vallecas, Flick appeared in front of the media for his customary pre-match press conference, where he discussed several major topics, including the pending registration of Dani Olmo.

On Olmo and the squad

Without giving away much with regard to Olmo’s availability for tomorrow’s clash, Flick said:

“I’m always hopeful, I was also hoping for him for the last game. It would be great to have him for tomorrow’s game.”

Further discussing the situation, he added: “These are things that neither the player nor the team can control. We talked about the situation, we know it is difficult here in Barcelona. I believe in the club and I hope we can register him for tomorrow’s game.

“Any player who can’t play is obviously not happy. But he knows why that is. I’m sure that if he’s on the list he’ll be 100 per cent.”

Having sanctioned multiple exits to register Olmo and still failed to achieve it, Flick was asked if there will be more departures, to which he replied:

“There are players who have left in the last few days. We need players to be able to play and be competitive with the other teams. We are really going to get Dani signed up.”

Still not registered. (Photo by MANAURE QUINTERO/AFP via Getty Images)

On the departure of Vitor Roque, he said: “We can’t say that I haven’t counted on Vitor, that would be false. What I can talk about is what he told me.

“He came from Brazil, in a situation that is not easy for him. It’s a good possibility for him. He is a good person and we hope he can improve his performance.”

On whether there will be any more incomings, he replied: “I don’t think about possible signings. I concentrate on the players I have now. I’m really happy with them. If there are changes or additions that give more quality, fine, but I’m fine with the players I have.”

On the team

While Barcelona have picked up two victories in two games, there have been some areas that need still to be polished, which Flick highlighted, saying:

“I think in the last press conference I said it: we are very satisfied with what the team is doing on the pitch. The quality of training is good, they are very focused, the intensity is good… and that shows in the games.

“If you only train at 80 per cent it’s impossible to give 100 per cent in the matches. We analyse every match to improve in every match.”

When asked if he believes that Barcelona can win La Liga with this team, Flick responded: “The goal is always to win the league. It’s a long road, but we’ve started well, but everything can change next week. Now we are happy with our start and we are confident. We are not looking to May, just to the next game against Rayo.”

On his feelings regarding the squad still not being closed with the third game of the season already looming, the manager remarked:

“It all started with the Euro and the Copa America. That happens in any big club. We have to accept it because we can’t change it. There are no excuses. We have 11 players on the pitch and more on the bench. We can play the games.”

Flick also expressed his pleasure at having Fermin Lopez back in the team after his extended break, saying:

“Fermín has had a few days off and it was very important for him after the two championships. Now he’s here and it’s good to have him in the team. He showed that in the last game. We are happy with his contribution and his mentality.”

On the amount of talent coming through the La Masia ranks, Flick said: “Yes, it happens in Germany too, but it’s not so normal to have three players so young. We had 15-year-old players in pre-season who did a great job.

“We had analysed it, yesterday we also saw the good level of Barça Atlètic. The base is solid.”

Finally, Flick insisted that he sees it as important that Barcelona go into the international break next month with four wins in four games and 12 points on the board.

“That is always the objective. Win the games and get the points. We take it step by step: now we are focused on Rayo and that’s how we manage it,” he concluded.

Source: BarçaOne