Hansi Flick has refused to rule out signing a center-back during the upcoming winter transfer window, even as Barcelona search for answers after a run of defeats to Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid halted their winning streak.
Barcelona face Deportivo Alavés next, with the club in action on Saturday in the 11th round of the Spanish league.
Transfer Plans
Speaking at his press conference, Flick addressed whether the club will add a center-back. “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 Concerns
Asked about the fragility of his defensive system, Flick said that the responsibility does not rest with 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 improve its possession play first. “First of all, 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 pointed to the team’s work inside its own penalty area. “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: “Pau Cubarsí also deserved to win the Kopa Trophy, as he had an exceptional season and a wonderful World Cup.”
Flick said he was particularly pleased with how Yamal responded. “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.”
Concluding the topic, Flick said: “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.”