FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has admitted that his club “needs to do something” when it comes to the striker’s department, though this of course depends on what happens with Ferran Torres.
Getty Images
FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has admitted that his club “needs to do something” when it comes to the striker’s department, though what happens with Ferran Torres will be a massive factor when it comes to squad planning.
“It depends on the team. We have to wait. I have total confidence in Deco and we know we have to do something. It also depends on Ferran. We’ll see what we’ll do,” Flick said from England on Monday afternoon.
Ferran is of course being linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain. At the weekend, it was reported that Barça is willing to let him leave if that’s what the scorer of Spain’s winning goal in the World Cup final wants.
With a contract that expires on June 30, 2027, Barça ideally wants Ferran to extend his terms but can’t offer him a new deal until September thanks to Financial Fair Play (FFP) issues.
Given that Robert Lewandowski has already left and debuted for the Chicago Fire at the weekend where he scored a brace, the Catalans are at risk of being short-staffed up front amid thus far failed pursuits of Julian Alvarez and Junior Kroupi.
Flick suggested other alternatives for FC Barcelona
That Dani Olmo could play as a false nine, where he’s had great success for club and country, has been raised. Flick also made other suggestions, in the event that Sporting Director Deco can’t bring in reinforcements.
“Lamine (Yamal) has played a couple of games with us (as a false nine). He’s a fantastic, world-class player, and he can adapt to that. Our focus is on him playing as a ‘7’, but we’ll see what happens,” Flick said.
The German also pointed out that new signings Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi “can play as a nine and on both wings”.
“We have a lot of options and we’ll see what happens,” Flick further added, hinting that the solution might already be in house.
Despite this issue, Flick – who is known not to be fond of foreign tours – said that preseason preparations at England’s St. George’s Park are “one of the best I’ve ever done”.
He has no concerns about the likes of Olmo, Lamine and Best Young Player Pau Cubarsi being fatigued from going all the way with Spain either, or letting the success get to their heads.
“Champions never stop. They know how to win titles and it’s important. This title should give them more confidence. When you work hard and focus every day, it eventually becomes something special. That’s what we want to achieve this season,” Flick stated.
With a full squad, and perhaps a new striker, FC Barcelona will start its La Liga title defense against Elche on August 23.