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

FC Barcelona went into their first match of the 2026-27 season with a clear shortcoming in their squad, that of a natural first-team center-forward. However, with how the match turned out, the Catalans winning the game 0-5, it was clear that the team had more than enough striking power to get over this weakness.

Hansi Flick was quite happy with how this game went, and his happiness was quite visible as he addressed the press conference after the match. As Mundo Deportivo has reported, the German coach made some notable comments about his team’s performance in this game and the situation of his team at large.

Despite the overall good performance and the result, the Barcelona coach was perplexed about one aspect in particular:

“I was concerned about losing the ball. We had to control possession and, in the end, we kept a clean sheet, which is fantastic, and five goals is great.”

Despite the scoreline, the German coach praised Elche for their playing style:

“They play good football, they are brave, and we took advantage of the spaces.”

Without giving any clear indications, Flick did not rule out the signing of a striker before the transfer window closes:

Overall, the Barcelona trainer was very happy with this game:

The German coach praised Raphinha, who scored two goals, and highlighted his intensity and pressing:

Flick also highlighted the versatility of the young fullback Xavi Espart:

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

The Barcelona coach did not seem too worried about Gavi’s situation:

“We have to wait regarding the knock he received on his right knee. But it seems that he was feeling better. We’ll see.”

The German tactician was clear that he has not asked Alejandro Balde, who was not called up for this game, to leave, but wanted him to make a careful decision about his future:

“I didn’t tell him that he has to leave… I have the feeling, and I think it’s better for him, that he should take some time to think, reflect and clear his mind, and then we’ll talk. And we both agreed on that.”

There is no doubt that this was a perfect start to the 2026-27 season for Barcelona. Hansi Flick will be particularly happy with the result, but he will have to ensure the team’s performances remain at this standard for the rest of the season as well.