FC Barcelona got off to a fantastic start in its title defense with a 5-0 road win. Still, Hansi Flick had a few uncomfortable topics to address afterward.
Hansi Flick himself raised the first point of criticism at the press conference following the decisive 5-0 win at FC Elche. He noted that in the first half, his team had “too many easy turnovers.” The German coach of FC Barcelona called for more control—yet shortly afterward, he still raved about a “fantastic start for us.”
The journalists quickly moved on to more uncomfortable topics. One obvious issue: Left back Balde, who is reportedly being courted by Manchester United among others, wasn’t even included in the roster for the season’s first away game.
Flick had deliberately left him off the roster for the Elche match and explained the decision: “There are too many things on his mind.” Balde should sort out various issues for himself, Flick said, before announcing another conversation for Monday.
Xavi Espart, just 19 years old, replaced Balde at left back—and impressed Flick. “The next player from La Masia, the next player at this level—that’s outstanding,” praised the Blaugrana coach.
Flick also raved about Karim Adeyemi, who capped off his competitive debut with a goal to make it 2-0: “He’s an extraordinary and vastly underrated player, but I told him not to worry, because here in Barcelona they’re going to love him.”
Flick praised Adeyemi’s physicality and his overall start in Catalonia. “We love the energy he brings to this team,” said Barcelona’s head coach. “He’s fast and a good finisher—he’s adapting well.”
Anthony Gordon, another summer signing, also impressed; the Englishman set up two goals right after coming off the bench. “I also congratulated Adeyemi on his goal,” he explained afterward: “It was a dream debut for us.”
Reason for optimism? New concerns about Gavi
Gavi had certainly imagined the start of the new season very differently. The midfield dynamo, who has been plagued by injuries time and again in the past, had to be substituted before halftime due to pain in his right knee. An MRI scan will now provide insight into the severity of the injury.
Flick was cautiously optimistic—and cited a comment from Gavi to back that up: “He said it’s better than he himself had expected.” It remains to be seen whether he’ll be able to play again against Bilbao under coach Edin Terzic this coming Thursday.
