Flick talks Raphinha, Espart, Gavi, Balde, summer signings after Elche 0-5 Barcelona | OneFootball

Barcelona could hardly have asked for a more convincing start to their La Liga title defence. 

A 5-0 win away at Elche gave Hansi Flick’s side three points, five goals and plenty of reasons to feel positive about the season ahead.

Raphinha and Fermin Lopez both scored twice at the Martínez Valero, while Karim Adeyemi also found the net as Barcelona made a powerful statement in their first league outing. Yet the result was only part of the story.

With Barça playing without a recognised centre-forward, questions over the club’s plans for a new No. 9 remain firmly alive. 

Flick also used his post-match press conference to praise Raphinha’s leadership, explain the situation surrounding Alejandro Balde and provide an update after Gavi was forced off with a knock to his right knee.

Barcelona find answers without a traditional No. 9

The biggest talking point before the match was how Barcelona would cope without a natural centre-forward. 

Raphinha and Fermin scored a brace. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)

On that note, Raphinha led the line and once again showed why the manager trusts him in such an unfamiliar role. 

Still, Flick made it clear that the discussion over a possible new Barcelona No. 9 is not over. The German coach said, 

“We’ll have to talk to Deco and we have to do whatever’s best; that will be next week.”

For now, though, Flick was keen to enjoy a result that gives his players an early boost. 

“We’re delighted with the fantastic start we’ve made; it gives us confidence. I’m pleased with the 5–0 win and the three points.”

There were also aspects of the performance he wanted to improve. 

“I was concerned about turnovers. We had to control the ball, and in the end, a clean sheet is fantastic, and five goals is great,” explained the coach.

Raphinha earns special praise

Raphinha was undoubtedly one of the stars of the night, but Flick’s praise focused as much on his work without the ball as his two goals.

“For me, Rafa is a player who sets a good example of intensity,” Flick said.

The manager then explained why the Brazilian has become such an important leader within the Barcelona squad. 

“When he does that, the rest follow him. That’s a captain. He’s a captain.”

Flick was also full of praise for Xavi Espart, who was handed a surprising start at left-back in Balde’s absence. 

The Barcelona manager highlighted the youngster’s flexibility and quality on the ball, saying.

“He can play on the right, on the left. He knows what he has to do and is fantastic on the ball; he does everything well.”

On Balde and Gavi

Gavi was once again forced off. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)

The situation involving Balde remains less clear. Flick denied reports suggesting that he had directly told the full-back to leave Barcelona. 

“I haven’t told him he has to leave,” he clarified.

The manager added,\ “I have a feeling – and I think it’s best for him – that he should think things through, reflect, get his thoughts in order, and then we’ll talk. And we both agreed on that.”

There was also concern for Gavi after the midfielder was forced off following a knock to his right knee. 

Flick stressed that Barcelona would need to wait for medical tests before concluding, although his initial update offered some hope. 

“We’ll have to wait and see about the knock he’s taken to his right knee. But he seemed to be doing better. We’ll keep an eye on it,” he concluded.

Source: Mundo Deportivo