Hansi Flick talks Raphinha, Rodri, De Jong ahead of Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano | OneFootball

Barcelona will look to make it three wins out of three at the start of the 2026-27 season when they face Rayo Vallecano on Monday. Hansi Flick’s side have made a very positive impression in the opening two matches, and the German will hope that continues at the Spotify Camp Nou.

Ahead of the match, Flick spoke to the media (via Sport) on Sunday to discuss a variety of topics. Firstly, he was asked whether he is happy with his squad, which will be closed next week when the transfer window slams shut.

“Of course I’m happy with the team. Deco is making a very strong team. We have no pressure. Deco has done a fantastic job so far. The quality of training is maximum and this is the most important thing. We are on the right track. A lot can happen in a season. Now we are in good shape and almost all the players are fit. That’s why I say that the important thing is how we play as a team. What we have to do is work on the atmosphere in the dressing room. I am very aware of it, it is very important that we all go in the same direction. We have fantastic players, but the spirit of the team is what counts.”

Barcelona are yet to sign a striker, and time is running out on them. However, Raphinha has excelled in that position over the last two matches, and this has greatly appreciated Flick.

Flick: Rodri can start vs Rayo

Flick also confirmed that Rodri could make his first Barcelona start against Rayo, having fully recovered from his summer surgery.

“He’s had some problems in the last few days, but today he trained and had a really good feeling. Of course he is ready to be a starter, we will see. The same thing happens with Brian Fariñas as with Hamza, he surprised me in the preseason. He’s an excellent player, he’s fit and understands his role. It’s great to see how it improves. It won’t be easy for him, but he deserves minutes.”

An update on Frenkie de Jong’s recovery from a serious knee injury was also given by Flick, who revealed that the Dutch midfielder is progressing well.

“First of all, it’s important that he goes day by day. He’s getting a little better. We have a very long season, with a lot of games, and I’m happy that a fantastic player like Frenkie is in our squad. The competition is maximum, but it is good news. We have to manage all the players well, they come from playing a lot of minutes in the World Cup. Everyone wants to play, but no one is above the team. The team is number one.”

Flick also spoke on Barcelona’s possible transfer business for the rest of the summer, as well as the departure of Alvaro Cortes, who will be joining Royal Antwerp.