Hansi Flick talks Lewandowski, Rashford, Yamal, Balde, Kounde, Deco, Kochen ahead of Alaves vs Barcelona | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have already wrapped up the La Liga title, but they still have three games left to play before formally concluding the 2025-26 season. The next game in this regard is set to be played against Alaves on Wednesday.

Ahead of this game, Hansi Flick undertook his customary press conference, in which he talked about different aspects of the team, the title win, and the celebrations.

As Mundo Deportivo has reported, the German coach started by reminding that there is still something for his Barcelona team left to fight for in La Liga:

“Now the objective is to reach 100 points, and to do that, we have to win the three remaining matches and play well. We’ve celebrated a lot, but we can still play well.”

The Blaugrana tactician once again reiterated his belief that this Barcelona was the best place for him to be, as he confirmed that both sides are in agreement for a renewal:

”For now, I’m under contract until 2027, and if everything goes well, we’ll extend it. It’s been an agreement from both sides. I’m very grateful to the club, which will have the right to stop it, and so will I. We’ll talk later about that optional year. It’s a commitment from both sides to reach the highest level and win new titles. Everyone dreams of the Champions League. We tried, and we’ll keep trying.”

For now, Flick was not looking to field a starting 11 of La Masia graduates:

The German coach refrained from making any decisive comment about Marcus Rashford or Robert Lewandowski’s future:

“I value them both a lot, and I’m very grateful to them, but we have to analyze everything, and we’ll see at the end of the season. Marcus’ numbers are good. And Robert… what can I say? I’ve won titles with him, and I’m proud to be his coach.”

The Barcelona trainer was also not too keen to comment on Real Madrid’s problems:

“I don’t think about Real Madrid for even a moment. Every coach has his own issues within his team. I care about my team, not the others.”

Hansi Flick was also asked about the starting spot on the right flank:

“Koundé gives everything for the team, but it’s difficult to choose. I didn’t know he was unhappy about not playing on Sunday, but he accepted it. We are a team. It’s too early to know what will happen next season. This is not the moment to decide anything.”

The German coach was quite clear when asked if there would be any changes in the pecking order at the goalkeeper position for the remaining games:

“Kochen won’t get minutes. If we change anything between now and the end of the league, Tek will be the first to play. Joan is number one, and Tek is number two. I respect Kochen a lot, and he gives everything.”

Meanwhile, the Barcelona coach clarified that the final decision on transfers is yet to be taken:

“It’s been discussed with Deco, we’re clear about it, and we’ve talked a lot in recent months, but it’s not ready yet. The work isn’t finished.”

Hansi Flick was looking for improvements from Alejandro Balde:

“He has improved a lot and taken a step forward compared to last season, but I’ve told him he still needs to take another step, and we’re helping him do that. That’s what I ask of him — to improve day by day. He’s a great player. I spoke with him because he was coming back from an injury. And João has played at a fantastic level. He’s given us more attacking options.”

The German coach revealed that he did not exactly like Lamine Yamal flying the Palestinian flag during the parade:

“Normally, I don’t really like that sort of thing. I spoke with him — we have to understand what people expect from us. But he’s an adult now, he’s 18, it’s his decision… And it was very emotional to see tears in people’s eyes during the celebration. The first thing we have to do is make people happy.”

I’m proud of that, and I told the players so, because it’s been a difficult season with injuries. Key players like Lamine, Pedri, Raphinha, and Frenkie have been unavailable at times. And it’s incredible the season we’ve had and how much we’ve improved in the last two months, both in attack and defense. We are the team that has conceded the fewest goals, and nobody expected that.”

Lastly, the Barcelona coach opened up on the leadership role in his team:

“We have different kinds of leaders. Gavi is one — ever since he returned to training, he raised the level of the sessions; he’s the heart of the team. Then there’s Pedri, a leader with the ball. Eric is also a leader. And the captains too, like Frenkie, Ronald, and Raphinha. We have many different types of leaders.“

”It’s all about communication — talking to one another to help each other on the pitch. The most important thing is communication between the players during the game. I also have to take responsibility. If communication is good, everything becomes easier for everyone. It’s crucial. If you want to reach the highest level, communication is fundamental. We have to improve, and we will.”

For now, Hansi Flick would have an easier time next to the pitch, as there is nothing significant left for the team to compete for this season. However, he would still have to work a lot on team planning for the next season, and it remains to be seen what changes would come to his Barcelona team for the next campaign.