Flick wants Barcelona to add one more pre-season friendly before La Liga begins | OneFootball

FC Barcelona could yet add another fixture to their pre-season schedule, with Hansi Flick keen for his squad to play one final friendly before the start of the new campaign, as per a report from Mundo Deportivo.

The idea is for the fixture to take place in mid-August, potentially on the 15th.

The Catalans are expected to confirm in the coming days their participation in a triangular tournament in Udine on August 8 against Udinese and Nottingham Forest.

The Joan Gamper Trophy will take place on August 19 at the Spotify Camp Nou, where Egyptian champions Al Ahly are set to be the visitors.

Flick requests additional match

Between those two pre-season friendly meetings, Flick has asked the club to arrange another friendly on August 15.

Flick eager to add another friendly match. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The German coach believes the extra match would be valuable, as it would be the first opportunity to work with his full squad after the return of all players involved in the World Cup.

It would also provide an ideal final test just one week before Barcelona begin their La Liga campaign away to Elche on August 23.

Several venues under consideration

Barcelona are currently assessing a number of proposals for the additional fixture.

Among the options being explored are matches in Rabat, Morocco, and Nairobi, Kenya. The Kenyan proposal has regained momentum after improvements in the health situation in neighbouring countries.

Barcelona could travel to Morocco or Kenya. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Originally, Liverpool had been considered as the opponent for that fixture. However, the Premier League giants have since altered their pre-season plans and will instead face Como at Anfield on August 16.

Busy summer schedule

Barcelona’s preparations are already well underway.

The La Liga champions have confirmed a behind-closed-doors friendly against CE Europa on July 24 at the Ciutat Esportiva before travelling to England for their training camp.

During that stay they will face Birmingham City on July 31, followed by another closed-door match against Preston North End on August 3.

If the additional August 15 fixture is finalised, it would complete a demanding pre-season programme, which will conclude with the Gamper Trophy on August 19, designed to have the squad fully prepared for the competitive campaign.