Barcelona Coach Flick Gives Lamine, Rodri And Gavi Updates

FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick answered a question regarding the club's pursuit of Julian Alvarez while also providing updates on the statuses of Alejandro Balde, Gavi and Rodri ahead of a La Liga clash with Athletic Club on Thursday.

FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick answered a question regarding the club’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez while also providing updates on the statuses of Alejandro Balde, Gavi, Lamine Yamal and Rodri ahead of a La Liga clash with Athletic Club on Thursday.

With under a week to remain until the transfer window closes, Barca are still without a natural number 9 thanks to the summer departures of Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski.

Julian Alvarez remains the top target, but he’s currently in a tug of war with his employers Atletico Madrid, who seemingly refuse to let him join a direct rival.

“I don’t want to talk about Julian. I just want to talk about the club’s situation. We have made great signings this market. The club must also think about the future, not just the present,” Flick said.

“I ask for the best and more. I have all my confidence in the team that is there now. The club is doing a fantastic job, because we are thinking about the future as well. That stabilises the club, which is what we want,” he added.

The future of Alejandro Balde is unsure, with the left back left out of the squad list for Sunday’s 0-5 win against Elche amid reports he has decided to leave the club.

“He’s part of the team (for tomorrow),” Flick confirmed.

"Whether he plays or not, we'll decide tomorrow. I have spoken with him, it is important that he is committed to us. He is very young, he has a lot of potential.

“When I saw its first season, it was fantastic. he has improved, but he can improve more. He has the colours of Barça in his heart. Their job is to improve. Every year there are players who come from La Masia and want to play. He has to be 100% committed to professional football and give everything for Barça,” Flick added.

Balde’s possible exit, and those of his other two close friends in Marc Casado and Hector Fort, have been cited as reasons for Lamine Yamal sulking on the bench after a sub-par performance at Elche.

That isn’t the case, though, as Flick cleared up before the press.

“He had a problem, a headache. Lamine is a genius, he has had three weeks of vacation and has only been able to train for a few days. It’s normal that he’s not at the highest level.,” Flick said.

“A solution must be found for him to find his best level. I value his 60 minutes very much. He was involved in the first two goals: he pressed on the first and gave a pass to the first touch on the second. He is doing well day by day. We need him.”

Brought off at Elche after a going all in with a tackle as his MO, Gavi is also fine.

“He’s fine, much better than after the game. We have to wait a week for him to come back,” Flick said.

After missing Elche, Rodri could be set for his Barcelona debut before Culers on Thursday.

“Yes, he can play. We plan for him to play,” Flick said.

As for how the Spain captain will partner Pedri, Flick pointed out: ""We also have Marc Bernal."

“Rodri has more experience, he is a leader. Together with Pedri we can control the game, the ball. That’s important. Against Elche we lost a lot of balls. When Pedri came on, the game changed. That’s what we need. Rodri is one of the best. I’m looking forward to seeing them play together at Barca. He will be top.”

Barcelona Vs. Athletic Club kicks off at 21.30 local time on Thursday.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com