Flick outlines Rodri plan as Barcelona continue monitoring Alvarez

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick says Rodri is available to make his first appearance for the club against Athletic Club on Thursday, while he has refused to be drawn on the possibility of signing Atletico de Madrid forward Julian Alvarez.

The match at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys is Barcelona’s second La Liga fixture of the season, but Flick’s pre-match news conference focused on several issues beyond the meeting with Athletic Club. The German discussed his midfield options, the latest injury news, the depth of his squad and the club’s transfer plans with only six days remaining before the window closes.

Flick confirmed that Rodri has trained with the team since Monday and is ready to play.

“Yes, he can play, and we have a plan for him to participate,” said Flick.

The Barcelona boss also spoke enthusiastically about the prospect of pairing Rodri with Pedri in midfield, while highlighting Marc Bernal as another important option.

“Rodri is one of the best players, and he is a leader in every sense of the word. With Pedri, we can control the game and the ball,” he said, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Flick referred to Barcelona’s recent match against Elche, when the side improved its possession and control after Pedri came on.

“I really want to see them play together at Barcelona, and they will be at the top level,” he added.

There was less positive news regarding Gavi, who will miss Thursday’s match and the following game against Rayo Vallecano after sustaining an injury to his right knee against Elche. Flick said the midfielder’s condition had improved and that tests had not shown anything concerning, but he is expected to need about a week before returning.

Flick is nevertheless satisfied with his defensive choices. He pointed to the versatility of Eric Garcia, Jules Kounde and Gerard Martin, who can operate in several positions, as well as Andreas Christensen and Pau Cubarsi.

The manager described Cubarsi as “one of the best defenders” and said he wanted to keep the teenager fit because he expects him to feature regularly during the season.

Attention also turned to Alvarez, with Flick attempting to keep the transfer speculation at arm’s length while praising Barcelona’s recruitment work this summer. He met club president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco at the training ground on Wednesday, with Alvarez’s situation understood to have been discussed.

“The president gave a clear message yesterday, and Deco and I completely agree with it,” Flick said.

Asked again about Alvarez and the club’s plans, he added: “I don’t want to talk about Julian. What matters to me is the situation of the club. We have made very good signings in the current transfer window and our objective is clear, but the club must also think about the future, not only the present.”

“As a coach, of course I would say: give me the best and highest-quality players I can get, but this may work or it may not. I have complete confidence in the quality we currently have in the squad.”

Amid the uncertainty, Alvarez did not train with Atletico de Madrid on Thursday. Sources at the Madrid club said “the player had a bad night” to explain his absence.

“Of course, we have to deal with some situations and perhaps find solutions for some matches, but the quality we have is enormous,” Flick said.

He also praised the club and Deco for taking a long-term approach.

“The club and Deco are doing great work because they are also looking to the future, to the next three, four or five years. That is good and helps to stabilise the club, which is what we all want,” he said.

Barcelona will continue to explore the possibility of signing Alvarez before the transfer window closes. The Argentina international remains determined to wear the Catalan club’s shirt.