Flick confirms Barcelona opportunity for Hamza Abdelkarim after impressive pre-season

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick says Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim will be given an opportunity to play in La Liga after earning his manager’s trust in training.

Abdelkarim impressed during Barcelona’s pre-season preparations with the first team, but he was not involved in either of the club’s opening two league matches of the current campaign. Flick has now said the young forward deserves a chance and will receive minutes to demonstrate his ability in a competitive fixture.

Speaking at a news conference before Barcelona’s La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano, Flick was asked whether Raphinha is currently the best option to play as a central striker.

“As a striker, he has to start the pressing, and he does that very well,” said Flick. “Everyone knows that he is a leader and understands his importance. In addition, he is also effective in front of goal. There are other players, such as Fermin, who can do that as well.”

Raphinha’s ability to lead the press and contribute in front of goal has made him one of the options Flick can use in the central attacking role. However, the German manager also stressed that competition for places should create opportunities for players who have performed well behind the scenes.

Asked why Abdelkarim had not featured more regularly, Flick said the decision was not straightforward but insisted that the player’s training performances had been recognised.

“It is not easy,” said Flick. “We are always thinking about giving opportunities to those who deserve them, and he deserves one because of his great training sessions. He also has the right mentality.”

Flick then confirmed that Abdelkarim’s lack of appearances would not continue indefinitely.

“Hamza deserves to play and he will play,” he added. “We will give him minutes so that he can show what he can do in a league match.”

The Barcelona manager compared Abdelkarim’s situation with that of Brian Farinas, another player who has made a strong impression on him but remains in need of regular playing time.

“His situation is similar to Brian Farinas, who surprised me a lot and has great talent and is 100% ready, but he needs minutes,” said Flick.

Abdelkarim’s pre-season displays had raised expectations that he could play a part in the first-team squad during the campaign. Despite being omitted from Barcelona’s first two La Liga matches, Flick’s comments indicate that the Egyptian forward remains firmly in the manager’s plans.

The coach’s remarks also underline the importance he places on training performances and mentality when deciding which players should be given opportunities. Abdelkarim will now wait for his chance to make his competitive debut for Barcelona in La Liga.