Flick says Barcelona will not reach peak fitness before international break

Hansi Flick says Barcelona will not be at their best before the next international break as the club continues to manage an unusual period of preparation for the new season.

Barcelona are due to face Basel on Sunday, 16 August, before completing their preparations with a Joan Gamper Trophy match against Al Ahly.

“This is an unusual preparation period, and we will not be in our best condition before the international break,” Flick said after Barcelona’s latest match.

The German manager admitted that Barcelona’s performances in matches had not yet reached the required standard, although he was encouraged by the work being done on the training ground.

“The performances in the matches were not the best, but we are training well and we have to deal gradually with the return of the international players,” he added.

Flick said he had been unhappy with the team’s work in training on Friday, but felt the players had shown greater quality during matches.

“I was not happy with Friday’s training, but the performances in the matches were better,” he said.

Barcelona’s preparations have been affected by changes to the squad and the staggered return of players who were involved with their national teams. Flick said that such disruption was an expected part of football, even if it created difficulties for the coaching staff.

“At the end of every season, changes happen, and that is normal, although it is difficult,” said Flick.

“I spoke to some of the players and explained the situation to them, and I gave them my advice.”

The manager singled out Raphinha for praise, highlighting the Brazilian winger’s importance to his plans and the energy he brings to the side.

“Raphinha is a very important player for me. He gives us speed and vitality, and we need him to be 100% committed,” Flick said.

Flick also praised Fermin Lopez, who has only recently returned to training.

“Fermin also performed well, especially because he has only recently returned to training,” he added.

Asked about Ronald Araujo’s departure, Flick described the defender as both an outstanding footballer and an important person, while suggesting that the player had chosen to pursue a different challenge.

“He is a great player and a special person, but changes happen in football, and it seems he wanted to have a new experience,” said Flick.

“It is normal for the team to go through changes, especially when there are a large number of young players.”

Flick declined to comment on Barcelona’s transfer plans, saying the club remained focused on improving but needed to avoid rushing its decisions.

“We are always looking to develop, but we must remain calm,” he said.

Several players are expected to return next week, leaving Flick with the task of bringing the squad together and building fitness before the campaign begins.

“Next week will see many players return, and we have to manage this stage well so that we reach the best possible level of readiness,” he said.

Barcelona finished last season by winning La Liga for the second consecutive time. They will begin their new league campaign away from home against Elche.