Hansi Flick shares optimism about squad ahead of LaLiga start

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is pleased with his squad as the Catalonia club prepare for their first match of 2024/25 football season.

Having finished second behind fierce rivals Real Madrid in LaLiga last season, former Bayern Munich and Germany manager Hansi Flick replace Xavi Hernandez and he’s tasked with reclaiming the La Liga title.

Flick, who led Bayern Munich to two Bundesliga titles and one Champions League victory, Club World Cup and Super Cup crown, among other honors, has now he insisted he is happy with his team despite Barca signing attacking midfielder Dani Olmo and fellow Spaniard Pau Victor in the close-season transfer window.

“I am satisfied with the squad I have, the rest is a question mark. When I signed my contract, I knew it wouldn’t be easy but I trust the club blindly. And I am happy with the team, with what it offers,” Flick told reporters on Friday.

“We have injured players who will gradually come back. We are still a strong team.”

Olmo who helped Spain to win Euro 2024, would not be available for the Valencia game, Flick said “Olmo is not in good physical condition, he started late and we will look after him. He won’t be here tomorrow. We want everyone to be well and play injury-free,” he said.

However, Flick stated that 17-year-old winger Lamine Yamal, whose father Mounir Nasraoui is in a ‘serious but stable’ condition after being stabbed on Wednesday in a car park in the northeastern Spanish town of Mataro according to Spanish national TV broadcaster TVE, would play against Valencia.

Flick said he did not expect an easy outing against Valencia, who finished ninth last season.

“I am very much looking forward to this first game. Valencia is a special place,” he said.

“It will be a tough game, our opponents have shown that they play good, attacking football, you have to watch your lines… It will be difficult.”