FC Barcelona have managed to essentially end their season earlier than most other teams. Having already won the La Liga title and having completed the domestic treble, the Catalan giants now have the advantage to relax a little more. However, that does not mean that Barcelona do not have to play in the remaining games.
Up next for the Catalan giants is their final fixture in this season’s La Liga campaign. Coming up against Athletic Club away from home, it is definitely a game that Barça will want to put up a good showing in. However, there is always talk around the club beyond just their fixtures as well.
During his recent press conference, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo, the Barcelona coach spoke about the game against Athletic Club and how his team is looking to approach their final La Liga fixture of this season, but there were various topics and questions that he addressed even beyond it:
“We’re very focused. It was good to have three days off, but we’ve regrouped, and after two training sessions I’ve seen a very engaged team eager to show their potential.”
He was also asked about the topic of Lamine Yamal’s renewal, a heavily discussed topic in recent weeks and it is considered to be a renewal that is reportedly very close to being completed:
“I have full confidence in him. He knows that. He loves playing here, at Barça.”
When asked about the future of German goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, however, Flick gave a rather open-ended answer:
“The most important thing — and I’ve discussed it with Deco — is keeping key players to ensure Barça’s future. Deco knows where we can reinforce. We talk a lot, and we’re on the same page.”
On another note, he was also questioned about the possibility of fielding a starting eleven made up completely of La Masia players, a topic that was brought up previously as well:
“We’ll see… what matters is staying focused and serious. Barça has always been a great mix of homegrown talent and world-class signings. La Masia has quality, and of course we can give minutes to those who deserve it. We’ll see tomorrow. In preseason, we’ll also see how they progress. What I saw from the kids today (Juan and Dro) in the session — I liked it.”
Ronald Araujo’s renewal was also spoken about, and Hansi Flick confessed that he had faith in the Barcelona defender moving forward:
“Of course. He renewed his contract. I believe in him 100%. It hasn’t been an easy season for him, with Cubarsí and Iñigo so settled, but I’m sure Araujo will improve a lot next season.”
Flick was also asked to rate Barça’s first season under him, and the German coach gave a rather positive response:
“I don’t know, I haven’t thought about it. Somewhere between an 8 and a 10.”
The Barcelona coach also provided some details regarding the club’s preseason plans, and also gave an update on his own vacation plans:
“We’ll start preseason on Sunday, July 13, with tests and training on Monday. Many players will be away with their national teams. I’ll try to catch some games in Stuttgart, like Spain vs France. Then I’m going on vacation — very far away.”
Ansu Fati’s future was also brought up, and the Barcelona coach responded by saying that it would ultimately be the player’s own decision:
“That’s not my decision. He has a contract, and it’s up to him. If he wants to talk to me, we’ll talk — but the decision is his.”
As for the plans for the next season, Flick admitted that his team knows where they have to do better:
“I want us to improve. I know it won’t be easy, but we know how we need to grow. We have to work hard. Everything is already planned — including the tour and the summer fixtures. Hopefully, everything goes smoothly and we’re ready by July 13.”
He also remained tight-lipped about how his team will look to reinvent itself for next season:
“You’ll see next season. Our style is very clear.”
The Barcelona coach was also questioned about the possibility of signing the likes of Luis Diaz or Marcus Rashford, but Flick chose not to comment on it too much:
“I don’t want to talk about players who aren’t part of my team, but they’re both fantastic players and I like them. We’ll see what happens.”
As for the general idea of signing a new winger potentially, Flick ended up admitting that it was a position where the club currently lacks reliable options:
“We’ve talked about it. In recent matches we didn’t have many options in that area. It’s something we need to improve.”
Lastly, Flick ended his press conference by wishing good luck to the Barcelona women’s team, who are set to compete against Arsenal in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final in Lisbon soon:
“Before I go, I want to wish the girls the best of luck in Lisbon. I hope they win the Champions League. That will be one of our objectives for next year. I’ll be watching the women’s final at home this evening. Thank you all for this press conference after this season. Again, tonight I’ll be watching the women’s final at home. We’ll see each other next season, and I hope it goes at least as well as this one. Thanks for everything.”
For now, the men’s team will now turn their attention towards ending their season on a high against Athletic Club. With nothing left to fight for in the league, perhaps a rotated starting eleven might be a real possibility for Hansi Flick to consider as well.
