Daily News 19

Tag: Ballon d’Or

  • Ferran Torres Weighs In on Ballon d’Or Race as Six Spaniards Earn Nominations

    Ferran Torres Weighs In on Ballon d’Or Race as Six Spaniards Earn Nominations

    Key Highlights

    • Paris Saint-Germain forward Ferran Torres offered a concise perspective on the 2024 Ballon d’Or race.
    • Torres stated, “Let the one who deserves it win,” emphasizing merit over personal preference.
    • The remark positions the Spanish international as a neutral observer amid intense speculation surrounding football’s most prestigious individual honor.

    Torres Weighs In on Ballon d’Or Race

    Paris Saint-Germain attacker Ferran Torres has entered the ongoing conversation regarding this year’s Ballon d’Or award with a statement that underscores the competitive integrity of the accolade. Speaking on the highly debated shortlist, the forward declined to endorse a specific candidate, instead advocating for a purely meritocratic outcome. His brief intervention arrives during a period of heightened scrutiny over the award’s criteria, with voters and pundits alike dissecting performances across domestic leagues, the UEFA Champions League, and international tournaments.

    A Diplomatic Stance Amid Intense Speculation

    The Spanish international’s comment, “Let the one who deserves it win.”, serves as a diplomatic refusal to engage in the lobbying or partisan debate that often accompanies the final stages of the voting cycle. As a player representing one of Europe’s elite clubs, Torres is acutely aware of the narratives that drive the award—narratives that frequently pit teammates against rivals and club achievements against national team glory. By framing the outcome around the abstract concept of desert, he sidesteps potential locker-room friction and aligns himself with the award’s founding principle: rewarding the best player of the calendar year based on objective performance.

    Contextualizing the Forward’s Perspective

    Torres’s current role at Paris Saint-Germain places him in a unique vantage point. The French champions possess a roster populated by perennial Ballon d’Or contenders, meaning the internal competition for individual recognition is fierce. His refusal to name a favorite—whether a colleague or a rival—signals a professional maturity that prioritizes collective success over individual accolades. While the source does not detail the specific setting of the quote, such comments are typically offered during pre-match press conferences or mixed-zone interactions, where players are routinely probed for opinions on the sport’s biggest honors.

    Why This Matters

    The Ballon d’Or remains the most coveted individual prize in football, and the discourse surrounding it shapes player legacies, transfer valuations, and historical narratives. Torres’s intervention, while brief, highlights a growing trend among elite athletes to depoliticize the award process. In an era where social media campaigns and institutional lobbying have become commonplace, a high-profile player advocating for an unbiased, performance-based result reinforces the credibility of the honor. Furthermore, his stance reflects the culture within the PSG squad, where a concentration of world-class talent necessitates a focus on shared objectives—specifically, the elusive Champions League trophy—rather than individual hardware. As the voting deadline approaches, the Spanish forward’s words stand as a reminder that the award’s legitimacy rests on the perception of fairness.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What exactly did Ferran Torres say about the Ballon d’Or?
    He said, “Let the one who deserves it win,” declining to endorse a specific player for the award.
    Which club does Ferran Torres currently represent?
    According to the source, he is a forward for Paris Saint-Germain.
    Why is his comment considered significant?
    As a player at a club with multiple world-class candidates, his neutral, merit-based stance avoids internal bias and supports the award’s integrity during a heated voting period.
  • Raphinha Breaks Barcelona Record, Targets Cristiano Ronaldo After Messi Comparison

    Raphinha Breaks Barcelona Record, Targets Cristiano Ronaldo After Messi Comparison

    Key Highlights

    • Raphinha has scored 14 goals in Barcelona’s first eight matches of the 2024-25 season, the best goalscoring start in the club’s history, surpassing César Rodríguez’s previous record of 13.
    • The Brazilian has netted 12 goals in his first seven LaLiga appearances, the third-highest tally in league history behind only Esteban Echevarría (14 in 1943-44) and Cristiano Ronaldo (13 in 2014-15).
    • Despite leading LaLiga leaders Barcelona with nearly 40% of the team’s 36 total goals and outpacing elite strikers like Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland, Raphinha was omitted from the 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist—a decision he called unfair.

    Raphinha Rewrites Barcelona History with Record-Breaking Start

    Barcelona forward Raphael Dias “Raphinha” has authored one of the most remarkable individual starts to a season in the club’s storied history. Following a “perfect hat-trick” in the 3-1 victory at Sevilla’s Sánchez Pizjuán stadium, the Brazilian has accumulated 14 goals across the first eight competitive matches of the 2024-25 campaign. This tally eclipses the previous club benchmark of 13 goals set by Blaugrana legend César Rodríguez, establishing a new standard for goalscoring immediacy at the Catalan institution. The 27-year-old from Porto Alegre has achieved this feat while operating primarily as a center-forward—a position he had rarely, if ever, occupied prior to this season.

    From Winger to “9”: A Tactical Masterstroke by Hansi Flick

    The positional transformation traces back to August 16, when head coach Hansi Flick deployed Raphinha as the tip of the attack during the first half of a pre-season friendly against Swiss side Basel. “I don’t remember having trained as a “9” in training sessions. In the match, the coach told me that I would play as a “9” and that afterwards I would move to the wing,” Raphinha revealed in a recent interview with Rac1. The experiment became necessity when Barcelona’s pursuit of Atlético de Madrid striker Julián Álvarez collapsed due to the colchonero club’s refusal to negotiate. Thrust into the role for the LaLiga opener against Elche on August 23, Raphinha responded with a brace and an assist in a 5-0 rout. Since that debut, he has found the net in seven of eight matches, failing to score only against Levante—a match in which he registered two assists. His current average of 1.75 goals per game places him ahead of established European elite such as Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland at the corresponding stage of the season.

    Exclusive Company in LaLiga and Barcelona Annals

    The statistics underscore the historic nature of the run. Raphinha’s 12 goals in the first seven LaLiga matchdays rank third all-time in the competition’s history, trailing only Oviedo’s Esteban Echevarría (14 in 1943-44) and Cristiano Ronaldo’s 13 for Real Madrid in 2014-15. At Sánchez Pizjuán, he recorded his second league hat-trick of the season—following the earlier treble against Racing de Santander in a 7-2 win—becoming the first player to achieve multiple hat-tricks in a single Spanish top-flight campaign since the 2017-18 season. Within Barcelona’s history, only Lionel Messi (on three occasions) and Luis Suárez had previously accomplished the feat. Notably, Suárez was also the last Blaugrana player to score a “perfect hat-trick”—one goal each with head, right foot, and left foot—before Raphinha replicated the achievement against Sevilla.

    Why This Matters

    Raphinha’s emergence as a world-class center-forward fundamentally alters Barcelona’s sporting trajectory and the broader European transfer landscape. The club entered the summer window prioritizing a traditional number nine, with Julián Álvarez identified as the primary target. Atlético Madrid’s intransigence forced Hansi Flick to innovate internally, converting a winger who had never trained as a striker into the focal point of an attack that has produced 36 goals in eight matches—31 in LaLiga and five in the Champions League. Raphinha accounts for nearly 40% of that output, rendering the absences of Robert Lewandowski (19 goals in 46 games last season) and Ferran Torres (21 in 49) statistically negligible. This development validates Flick’s tactical flexibility and the squad’s adaptability, while simultaneously strengthening Barcelona’s negotiating position in future windows: they no longer face the desperation that often inflates transfer fees. For Raphinha individually, the Ballon d’Or snub despite historic numbers highlights the award’s persistent bias toward traditional strikers and high-profile transfers, potentially fueling a second-half surge that could force a reevaluation before voting concludes.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How many goals has Raphinha scored for Barcelona this season?

    Raphinha has scored 14 goals in Barcelona’s first eight competitive matches of the 2024-25 season, including 12 goals in the first seven LaLiga matchdays.

    What records has Raphinha broken with this start?

    He holds the best goalscoring start in Barcelona history (surpassing César Rodríguez’s 13 goals), the third-best start in LaLiga history (behind Esteban Echevarría and Cristiano Ronaldo), and is the first Barcelona player since Luis Suárez to score a perfect hat-trick. He also joins Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez as the only Barcelona players with multiple league hat-tricks in a single season.

    Why is Raphinha playing as a center-forward instead of a winger?

    Head coach Hansi Flick first tested him as a “9” in a friendly against Basel on August 16. The move became permanent after Barcelona failed to sign primary target Julián Álvarez from Atlético de Madrid. Raphinha had never previously trained as a striker but has thrived in the role since his competitive debut at center-forward against Elche on August 23.

  • Lamine Yamal’s Exceptional Season Bolsters Ballon d’Or Case

    Lamine Yamal’s Exceptional Season Bolsters Ballon d’Or Case

    Lamine Yamal has made it clear he will not campaign for the Ballon d’Or, telling a press conference days ago that he refuses to beg for the honor. Yet the Barcelona winger firmly believes he deserves the award, a stance he has repeated across multiple appearances. With voting closing on September 28 and the ceremony set for October 26 at the London Palladium, the 19-year-old is building a compelling case through sheer performance.

    Elite Company on the 30-Player Shortlist

    Yamal features among 30 finalists that read like a who’s who of world football: Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, Pau Cubarsí, Marc Cucurella, Rodri Hernández, Fabián Ruiz, Bruno Fernandes, and Ferran Torres. The competition is fierce, but Yamal’s recent output places him squarely in the conversation.

    Direct Claim to the Top Spot

    Speaking on Universo Valdano on Movistar Plus, the La Masia graduate delivered his boldest statement yet:

    “Mbappé and I are the two best, but I think I would deserve the Ballon d’Or,”

    stated the teenager, framing the race as a two-horse contest while staking his personal claim.

    Numbers That Demand Attention

    Yamal’s start to the season provides statistical backing for his confidence. Across six matches—five in LaLiga and one in the Champions League—he has registered seven goals and two assists. The most striking stretch came in his last four outings against Rayo Vallecano, Valencia, Levante, and Feyenoord, where he scored in every game, including braces in all three domestic fixtures.

    Those six league goals put him among the Pichichi leaders alongside Camello, Mbappé, and Raphinha.

    Institutional Backing From Barcelona

    While Yamal insists he needs no campaign, his club is openly championing his candidacy. Vice-president Rafa Yuste offered a pointed endorsement:

    “I hope justice is done and they give it to Lamine,”

    Yuste commented hours ago. President Joan Laporta went further in remarks days earlier:

    “He is one of the big favorites and I would love for him to win it. He is spectacular. He has exceptional quality. He is a genius,”

    Laporta said. Teammates have also publicly argued that the winger merits the coveted trophy.

    Voting Criteria and Remaining Window

    The 100 journalism professionals casting ballots weigh three pillars: decisive and impressive individual performances; collective results and titles with club and country; and class and fair play. Yamal’s overall tally across all three criteria makes him a genuine favorite, but the two-week window before the September 28 deadline still offers opportunity to consolidate—or relinquish—pole position.

  • Lamine Yamal Leaves Barcelona Teammates in the Dust

    Lamine Yamal Leaves Barcelona Teammates in the Dust

    FC Barcelona carried their Champions League momentum into a final training session ahead of a LaLiga trip to Levante, with Lamine Yamal producing a moment of individual brilliance that underscored his rising status in world football.

    Champions League statement sets the tone

    Fresh off a brilliant attacking display against Feyenoord during their Champions League debut, FC Barcelona continues to show why they might win it all this season. The convincing European performance has amplified optimism around the squad as domestic duties resume.

    Yamal dazzles in pre-match preparation

    During the final training session before their LaLiga fixture away to Levante, Lamine Yamal shook a pair of teammates before scoring a thing of beauty, reminding the world why he’s a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or. The sequence highlighted the teenager’s close control, acceleration, and composure in front of goal.

    Early chapters of a generational talent

    And this is just the start of his brilliant career. At an age when most players are still developing in academy systems, Yamal is already delivering decisive moments on the biggest stages, blending creativity with an end product that belies his years.

  • Six Mexican Footballers Nominated for Ballon d’Or: Complete List of Nominees

    Six Mexican Footballers Nominated for Ballon d’Or: Complete List of Nominees

    Julián Quiñones Makes History as Sixth Mexican Nominee for 2026 Ballon d’Or

    Mexican soccer has once again secured a place among the elite contenders for the Ballon d’Or, one of the most prestigious individual honors in world football. Forward Julián Quiñones has earned a nomination for the 2026 award following a standout season with Al-Qadsiah and the Mexican National Team, becoming the sixth Mexican player ever to appear on the 30-man shortlist.

    Mexico’s Ballon d’Or Legacy: From Ochoa to Quiñones

    Mexico’s presence in Ballon d’Or history dates back to 2007, when goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa made the nominee list at just 22 years old while playing for Club América. He finished 30th in the voting with a single point, marking the country’s debut appearance.

    Three years later, legendary defender Rafael Márquez earned nomination honors in 2010. The Barcelona stalwart had collected LaLiga titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies while captaining El Tri at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

    In 2011, Javier “Chicharito” Hernández joined the list after a remarkable debut campaign at Manchester United. The striker netted 20 goals, won the Premier League, and reached the Champions League final, establishing himself as a global star.

    Double Representation in 2015

    The 2015 edition marked a high point for Mexican representation, with two players nominated simultaneously. Andrés Guardado and Giovani dos Santos both appeared on the shortlist. Guardado was recognized as a key figure for the national team following a Gold Cup triumph, while Dos Santos earned acknowledgment for his performances in European competition.

    Quiñones: The New Standard-Bearer

    Julián Quiñones now carries the mantle as Mexico’s latest attacking talisman. The forward’s prolific goal-scoring form and leadership role with the national team during the recent cycle proved decisive in securing his place among the 2026 candidates.

    His nomination recalls the precedents set by Ochoa, Márquez, Hernández, Guardado, and Dos Santos — players who brought Mexican football to the doorstep of the sport’s highest individual honor. With Quiñones leading the charge, Mexico dares to dream of converting a nomination into something even greater, challenging a distinction historically dominated by European-based players.

  • Lamine Yamal sends message to Mbappé: “I won’t beg for the Ballon d’Or”

    Lamine Yamal sends message to Mbappé: “I won’t beg for the Ballon d’Or”

    Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal faced the media ahead of the Champions League clash against Feyenoord, delivering a wide-ranging press conference that touched on his happiness, captaincy, Ballon d’Or prospects, and the team’s ambitions for the season.

    Champions League the ‘big objective’

    Yamal made clear that Europe’s premier club competition remains the primary target for Hansi Flick’s side.

    “It’s the big objective, there’s no greater motivation. We’re all motivated. We have it in our heads. It’s the most special tournament. This year it could be with the players who have arrived, Gordon, Rodri, Adeyemi, Joao…”

    The teenager emphasized the collective drive within the squad, reiterating: “The Champions League is the big objective, we are all very motivated.”

    Pride in the captain’s armband

    At just 19, Yamal has already worn the captain’s armband for Barcelona, a responsibility he embraces.

    “It is a source of pride to be captain of Barça at 19 years old. I am grateful to my teammates for choosing me. I am 19 years old but I want to live up to it. I am happy. It makes me feel responsible. I will give my best for the team.”

    He also praised the leadership group around him: “Rapha is an incredible captain, and Eric, Pedri… I learn from them to always seek what is best for the team.”

    Ballon d’Or talk and campaign stance

    Asked about individual accolades, Yamal acknowledged his chances but refused to engage in self-promotion.

    “It doesn’t depend on me, it depends on you. The work with Barça and the national team has been incredible. I have options, I had a great year. But we’ll see.”

    On the idea of a media campaign for the award, he was blunt: “I don’t think I need to campaign. Everyone can think whatever they want. I’m proud of what I’ve done and I can’t ask for more. It’s your job, I won’t beg for anything.” He later repeated the sentiment: “I don’t think I need to campaign to win the Ballon d’Or.”

    Pressing, growth, and squad competition

    Yamal addressed the tactical demands of the modern game, citing Paris Saint-Germain as an example of collective pressing.

    “In title-winning teams, like PSG, everyone presses. You have to run, no matter who you are. If you don’t run, you lose.”

    On personal development, he said: “Collectively, titles and the Champions League. And individually, improve. I’m young. That’s my objective.”

    Regarding competition for places and the possibility of being a substitute, Yamal showed maturity: “It doesn’t scare me, there are great players. I’m prepared to be a substitute. It doesn’t scare me.” He later reinforced: “I’m not afraid of being a substitute.”

    On his physical growth, he added: “I think that when you grow up, you don’t realize it. I’m a ‘kid’ and I’m growing, but I’m not two meters tall. I’m shorter than Cubarsí or Bernal. I’m like everyone else.”

    Relationship with teammates and rivals

    Yamal spoke warmly of his connections within the squad, particularly Fermín López and Dani Olmo: “They are tremendous players, I feel comfortable with them and get on great with them, although they are different.”

    Asked about Real Madrid’s recent trophy drought, he deflected: “If they have gone two years without winning, that is their problem. We are happy with the refereeing. That’s a question for them. I see them as happy.” He earlier framed it similarly: “If Real Madrid have gone two years without winning, that’s their problem; I see them as happy.”

    ‘Vacation of my life’ and happiness

    Addressing speculation about his mood during the off-season, Yamal was unequivocal.

    “I’m very happy, I don’t know why there was so much talk. I had the vacation of my life. At no point have I been happier than I am now.”

    He summarized the feeling again: “I had the vacation of my life, I’ve never been happier.”

    Dembélé and the Ballon d’Or debate

    On Ousmane Dembélé declining to name a Ballon d’Or favorite, Yamal downplayed any tension.

    “He’s a friend of Kylian’s… I don’t care. I’m very happy with the year I’ve had. When I’ve faced both of them, I’ve won. I get along very well with Ousmane. Everyone has seen my year, if he hasn’t…”

    He reiterated: “Dembélé is a friend of Kylian… I am very happy with the year I have had.”

    Grounded by family and respect for Xavi

    Yamal credited his environment for keeping him level-headed: “I’m in a locker room with people who have done more than me. Then I’m with my family, who keep my feet on the ground.”

    He also had kind words for his former coach: “He is a great coach. I have great affection for him, I hope things go well for him, except against Spain.”

  • The Future of Messi: Miami Contract Through 2028, One Last Ballon d’Or and Life Beyond Football?

    The Future of Messi: Miami Contract Through 2028, One Last Ballon d’Or and Life Beyond Football?

    Leo Messi remains at the top of his game despite stepping away from Argentina’s national team. He scored four goals for Inter Miami on Sunday and is currently Major League Soccer’s leading scorer with 18 goals.

    The performance underlined that Messi is still fully active on the football pitch. The bigger question concerns his state of mind and desire to continue—factors that will ultimately determine when he says “enough”, particularly following the loss of his father, Jorge.

    Messi’s Inter Miami contract runs through 2028

    Messi is under contract with Inter Miami until the end of 2028. In his case, however, the agreement is only a formal detail. He is expected to retire whenever he chooses, and the club would accept that decision while offering him a role in its ownership and wider structure if he wants to remain connected to Inter Miami.

    Sportingly, Messi still has major objectives ahead as he looks to add to his record haul of 48 trophies, excluding individual awards. Inter Miami are the defending MLS champions, and Messi is currently competing for the 2026 MLS title.

    He could also be in contention for a ninth Ballon d’Or, with the award scheduled for October. That same month, Messi is due to receive the Prince of Asturias Award in Oviedo.

    Potential challenges for Messi in 2027 and 2028

    If Messi’s body and motivation continue to support his career, he could face several more challenges in 2027. These include the shortened MLS season running through June, as United States soccer moves toward the European football calendar, followed by the 2027-28 MLS campaign.

    Inter Miami could also compete in the 2028 Concacaf Champions Cup, a prestigious and previously unattained title that would carry particular importance for the club. The objectives remain in place if Messi decides he wants to continue playing.

    Messi’s business interests and football legacy

    Messi will turn 40 on June 24, 2027. Beyond football, he has a long life ahead with his family and a wide-ranging business portfolio. He represents numerous brands and has interests including a wine label and energy drinks.

    His family and inner circle have also focused on extending his legacy beyond his playing career. The clearest example is Messi’s purchase this year of Unió Esportiva Cornellà, a Catalan club competing in the Tercera Federación.

    The acquisition is intended to preserve the Messi name in football. The club is currently a small “toy”, but Messi hopes to grow it through his own management and that of his team in the coming years.

    Messi is also expected to live in Catalonia after retiring. He still owns his home in Castelldefels, where he will likely spend time with his family, oversee his businesses and develop his football legacy from another perspective.

    That future would come in addition to the role he is certain to hold as an enduring ambassador for Argentine football. Long live the “other” Leo.

    Source: www.marca.com

  • Jose Mourinho Tips Two Real Madrid Players to Win This Year’s Ballon d’Or

    Jose Mourinho Tips Two Real Madrid Players to Win This Year’s Ballon d’Or

    Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho believes Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe have both done enough to win this year’s Ballon d’Or.

    Speaking after Real Madrid’s 4-0 victory over Malaga, Mourinho said:

    “I said that at Real Madrid there’s more than one player who can win the Ballon d’Or, but there’s Jude.

  • Guardiola Names Harry Kane as His Ballon d’Or Favourite

    Guardiola Names Harry Kane as His Ballon d’Or Favourite

    Pep Guardiola has backed Harry Kane to win this year’s Ballon d’Or, saying the Bayern Munich striker deserves the prestigious individual award.

    Speaking to Sky Sports, Guardiola pointed to Kane’s goalscoring record, consistency and influence on his teammates as the key reasons for his support.

    Source: tribuna.com

  • Flick Gives Surprising Answer on the Next Ballon d’Or

    Flick Gives Surprising Answer on the Next Ballon d’Or

    Hansi Flick says Barcelona are satisfied with their start to the 2026-27 LaLiga season, with two wins from two matches, while sporting director Deco continues to assess whether the squad can be strengthened before the transfer window closes.

    Speaking ahead of the meeting with Rayo, Flick also discussed Frenkie de Jong, Lamine Yamal, goalkeeper Tek, several emerging players and Barcelona’s plans for the final days of the market.

    Flick happy with Barcelona squad

    Flick said he is pleased with the quality and atmosphere within the squad, while stressing that Barcelona are under no pressure to make another signing.

    I’m happy with the team I have. Deco is working to see if he can strengthen it. But we’re under no pressure. So far he has done a fantastic job. For me, everything is fine. I see quality in training, and we’re doing well. We’re on the right track.

    He added that Deco is still exploring the market, but said the club’s current position is positive.

    Tek and Livakovic

    Flick confirmed that Barcelona remain satisfied with Tek and explained that Dominik Livakovic’s arrival is viewed as a move for the future.

    “We are happy with Tek, and Livakovic knows the situation. It is a signing for the future. We are happy with his signing”.

    De Jong’s progress and workload

    The Barcelona coach praised Frenkie de Jong’s improvement and quality, while warning that the club will need to manage his minutes during a long season that includes the World Cup.

    Let’s take it day by day. He has improved. The season is long and he is a fantastic player. I’m happy that he’s here, he has quality and we need him to achieve our objectives. We have to manage the load of minutes, there are World Cup players… we have to monitor and manage it, and everyone wants to play. But the team is the priority, neither me nor any individual player. It is the club.

    Bisiwu to continue with the reserves

    Flick said Bisiwu will train with the first team but continue playing for Barcelona’s reserve side, where he can keep developing his potential.

    I think his situation is clear. He trains with us but plays with the reserve team. He has potential. He is doing very well, but he can improve and I’m sure he will.

    Flick not focused on the Ballon d’Or

    Flick dismissed questions about the Ballon d’Or, saying his priority is Barcelona’s collective success rather than individual awards.

    “No, it’s not my job. Mine is already difficult enough without having to keep track of that. There are many good players on my team. I’m not a fan of these things. I’m concerned about the team; if it is successful, there are more chances of winning individual titles. There are world-class players and it isn’t easy to choose just one”.

    Team spirit remains central to Barcelona’s plans

    Flick said Barcelona’s objectives will depend on their ability to remain united throughout the season, rather than relying on one or two individuals.

    “In one season, many things can happen. But, as of today, we are doing well. Everything has to do with how we play as a team. It’s not about one player or two, it’s about being connected and being a team. The setting and the atmosphere are very good and we have to keep it that way. It is important to achieve our objectives. Team spirit is very important”.

    Raphinha’s role as a number nine

    Flick explained why Raphinha continues to operate as a central striker, highlighting his pressing, leadership, intensity and finishing ability.

    “As a number 9, he starts the press well. And he is a leader on the pitch. He has intensity. And in front of goal he does very well. That’s why he plays there. It’s not a problem for him. Fermín can also play there. He played the final minutes and also scored”.

    Hamza will receive more opportunities

    The coach said Hamza has earned playing time after an impressive pre-season and strong work in training.

    “No siempre es fácil, we think about giving minutes to those who deserve them, and he deserves them. He had a great preseason and trains well. He is doing very well in front of goal, and he also has the right mentality. He deserves to play and will get minutes. We have to give him opportunities to show his quality”.

    Rodri and Fariñas available

    Flick said Rodri has recovered from minor recent problems and is ready to start, although a final decision will be made later. He also praised Fariñas for his talent, fitness and versatility.

    “Rodri has had some minor issues in recent days, but he’s fine now. He’s ready to start, but we’ll see. Fariñas, like Hamza. He has surprised me a lot, he is an excellent player with a lot of talent, he is very fit and committed. He can play in several positions. There are many players in midfield, but he deserves to play some minutes”.

    Álvaro Cortés could leave Barcelona

    Flick confirmed that Barcelona are continuing to consider their options until the transfer window closes. He believes Álvaro Cortés needs regular football and that a move to Belgium could benefit the young player.

    We are always looking at what we can do, right up until the end of the market. All clubs do it. Álvaro has taken a step forward. At his age, he needs to play. It’s good for him to play in Belgium. Here he might not have the minutes he needs. And staying with the reserves is not an option.

    Barcelona transfer window plans

    Although Flick would prefer the squad to be settled before the season begins, he acknowledged that some decisions are outside his control.

    “I prefer to have everything done at the start of the season, but there are things I can’t change”.

    Flick backs Lamine Yamal

    Flick defended Lamine Yamal after concerns about the winger’s emotional state, saying the teenager remains on a strong sporting path following an injury, a World Cup appearance and a short holiday.

    It’s good that Lamine smiles, but every day is the same, I don’t smile every day either

    Always good to see a player smile, but not every day is the same. I don’t smile every day either. Everyone is worried about him, but he played in a World Cup after an injury. He had three weeks of vacation. He has played two matches; the first perhaps wasn’t the best, but I’m happy because he gives us more, creates chances… against Athletic he played the full 90 minutes, I saw him at a top level. Today he was excellent. He’s on a very good path. We have to support him, and I’m going to do it.