Flick backs Yamal, says Barça must think of future

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has publicly backed winger Lamine Yamal after a subdued performance in the team's 5-0 La Liga opening win at Elche, while also addressing the club's ongoing pursuit of a striker. Flick described Yamal as "a genius" and attributed his below-par display to a lack of match fitness, noting that the 19-year-old had only trained for a few days after three weeks of vacation Source: elconfidencial. Yamal, who played 65 minutes against Elche, completed just one dribble and lost possession 12 times, a sharp contrast to his usual output Source: elconfidencial. Flick said it is "normal" for Yamal not to be at his best and that the team must find a solution to help him rediscover his top form Source: infobae.

Striker search

The club is still seeking a centre-forward following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres. Julián Álvarez of Atlético Madrid remains the primary target, but Atlético has so far refused to sell Source: clarin. Flick declined to comment directly on Álvarez, saying, "I don't want to talk about Julián, I want to talk about the situation of the club" Source: lavanguardia. He emphasized that the club must think about the future, not just the present, and praised the work of sporting director Deco Source: lavozar. Reports indicate Barcelona may wait until the winter transfer window if they cannot sign Álvarez before the deadline, with Raphinha currently filling in as a makeshift number nine Source: elespanol.

Team news

Flick confirmed that Rodri Hernández is expected to make his debut against Athletic Club on Thursday, while Gavi will miss the match due to a knee injury Source: infobae. Alejandro Balde, who was left out of the squad for the Elche match, has been included for the Athletic game, with Flick stressing the need for full commitment from the player Source: lavanguardia.