Hansi Flick has refused to rule out signing a centre-back during the upcoming winter transfer window.
The Barcelona coach has watched his side’s winning run grind to a halt after defeats to Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. Next up is Deportivo Alavés, with Barcelona in action tomorrow, Saturday, in the 11th round of the Spanish league.
Flick open to a centre-back signing
Speaking at his press conference, Flick addressed the question of whether the club will add a defender. “I spoke about this matter when the transfer window opened, and I said that we are always looking for the best for the team, and for how to improve it,” he said.
He added: “We’ll see what happens. We still have a few weeks before the winter transfer window opens. We talk daily about many matters with Deco, Bojan and the members of my technical staff. If we are able to do something, then perhaps we will do it.”
Defensive problems and the need for focus
Asked about the fragility of his defensive system, Flick pointed to the whole team rather than the back line alone. “In the end, defending is not the responsibility of the back line alone, but the striker also takes part in the defensive process. Everyone is responsible for it.”
The German stressed that the team must first protect the ball. “We must not lose the ball easily. We lost some balls against Real Madrid, and that is not good. It usually happens to us, and we have to play with more intelligence and concentration.”
He also highlighted problems inside the box. “When we defend inside the penalty area, it is also important to mark the opponents well, and that is something we did not do either. We have to improve these aspects. We train on them, we take them into account, and we talk about them with the players.”
Yamal and the Ballon d’Or
Flick also reacted to Lamine Yamal losing the Ballon d’Or race. “Harry Kane also deserved to win it. You know my opinion about Lamine, as I believe he has the level that qualifies him to win this award. I said that to him and to the team.”
He went on to praise another Barcelona player. “Pau Cubarsí also deserved to win the Kopa Trophy, as he had an exceptional season and a wonderful World Cup.”
Flick said he was proud of Yamal’s response to the result. “But what I see and what I feel is that I am very proud of Yamal. His reaction was good, and what I see in training is that he has great focus. That is how champions behave, and I am very happy that he is following this approach and has this mentality.”
He closed the topic by saying: “We accept it. And I am pleased that this file is over, so that we can focus on matters that are very important to us.”