Hansi Flick talks Casado, Fermin, Frenkie, Lewandowski, Roony, Ferran, Rashford ahead of Levante vs Barcelona | OneFootball

FC Barcelona had a very strong start to the 2025-26 season as they began their defence of the La Liga title with a 3-0 win over Mallorca at the Son Moix in their first game of the competition.

The Blaugranes are now set to play their second game of their La Liga campaign, as they are set to face Levante on Saturday at Ciutat de Valencia. The Catalans will be hoping to put in an even better performance in this match.

Hansi Flick held the customary press conference ahead of this game and took this opportunity to talk about different aspects of his team. The German tactician also talked about the futures of some of his players as the transfer market nears its end.

As Mundo Deportivo has reported, the main highlights of Hansi Flick’s presser are as follows:

The German tactician started by highlighting the strengths of Levante:

Flick revealed that Casado does not want to leave, and he will be needed this season:

“No, I’ve spoken with him and he doesn’t want to leave, and I don’t want him to go either. It will be a difficult season, and we need all the players we have now. He gives us confidence, and that’s what I want from him. It’s not easy for the coach, but we need all the players.”

While expressing his happiness with the win over Mallorca, the Blaugrana coach also highlighted the improvements needed:

“Honestly, we are happy to win 3-0 in Mallorca and get the first three points. I’ve been a player and I know what happens on the pitch, but for me, the important thing is to improve our level in these kinds of games. For me, there are no excuses — you have to focus on the game plan. I told them after the match, and I think they understood. I’m not worried.”

The German tactician did not give any clear answer on whether Frenkie would start in this upcoming match:

“You know I don’t talk much about who will be a starter, and I won’t do it today either. Frenkie is always ready to start, but today I don’t want to talk about this.”

The first two matches have both been on the road for Barcelona, but this was not something worrying the Blaugrana coach:

“I don’t see it as an inconvenience. We focus on the next match, Levante, and then on the next one. That’s how it is, and I live in the present. The most important thing is to be able to change what you can change, and not what is out of your hands.”

Flick also did not confirm whether Gerard Martin will be available tomorrow:

“I hope he can be available against Levante. I’ve spoken with him; it’s my job. Tomorrow we’ll see what happens.”

The German manager also named the players who can play in Frenkie de Jong’s position:

“Gavi or Casadó — both can play in that position, yes.”

Talking about Lewandowski, Hansi Flick did not confirm whether he will play, but expressed his satisfaction with Ferran Torres’ performance in the game against Mallorca:

“We’ll see. We’ve thought that depending on how the match goes, we’ll decide. We have several options for the No. 9 position. Ferran scored a goal, and that’s the best argument for him to play again. But we’ll see if it’s possible for Robert to play, and if he can, we’ll include him.”

Like Casado, the Blaugrana coach also expressed his desire not to part ways with Fermin Lopez:

“I can only repeat what I’ve said. I don’t want to lose any player now. It will be a tough season, and we need players of Fermín’s quality. He did very well last season and at the start of this one. I’m happy with him, and I want to keep all the players.”

While expressing his satisfaction with Roony Bardghi, Flick also commented that he will not be registered for this game:

“He won’t be registered for this match. He is training a lot and has a fantastic attitude and mentality, and that helps us improve the overall quality of the team. What I tell him and the rest of the youngsters is that they are doing very well, but they need to play. They’ll play 45 or 60 minutes, and tomorrow we’ll pick one or two and take them with us to Valencia. And hopefully next week everyone will be registered.”

The German tactician expressed his goals for the season by making a comparison with Pep Guardiola:

“There’s a difference in level between Guardiola and me. I want to achieve many victories, but at a different level than him.”

When asked about Lamine’s celebration style, Hansi Flick did not express any discontent with it:

“I don’t care what people say about my team. He’s 18 years old and a fantastic player. I will help him grow in the right way, and that’s what’s important. And what I see in his behavior, everything is very good.”

Lastly, the Barcelona coach also commented on Marcus Rashford’s position on the pitch:

“Of course, he gives us more options. He feels better playing as a left winger, but his qualities — first touch, speed… — help our way of playing a lot, and we can enjoy a fantastic Marcus Rashford this season.”

For now, Hansi Flick will be keen to see his team put in another good performance in the match against Levante and continue with another win in their defense of the league title.