Barcelona remain active in transfer market as Flick provides updates on Rodri and De Jong

Hansi Flick says Barcelona’s transfer business is continuing without pressure, while sporting director Deco works to improve the squad ahead of the club’s La Liga meeting with Rayo Vallecano.

Flick said he was pleased with the group of players currently available to him and praised Deco’s work in the transfer market.

“I am very happy with the market, and Deco continues to work on transfers, but we do not have any pressure. He has done a great job and the quality in training is good. I do not know what more we can ask for. The overall feeling is positive and excellent,” Flick said at his pre-match news conference.

The Barcelona manager was also asked about the competition for the goalkeeper position and whether Dominik Livakovic could become the second-choice goalkeeper instead of Wojciech Szczesny.

“We are happy with Szczesny, and we have goalkeepers with a lot of experience. It is clear to us that Livakovic is a bet for the future,” Flick said.

Flick also provided an update on Frenkie de Jong, who is not expected to undergo surgery. The midfielder’s fitness will continue to be managed carefully as Barcelona prepare for a long campaign.

“It is important that he takes it step by step and day by day. He works every day and we have a long season with many matches ahead. I am happy to have him because we need his quality to achieve our objectives,” said Flick.

“It is not easy to manage this for me or for the players because the minutes have to be managed. Everyone wants to play, but the team is the most important thing, and of course the club as well.”

The German also discussed the role of young player Bissou, who has been training with the first team while also playing for Barcelona’s reserve side.

“When he arrived, it was clear that he would train with us and play with the reserve team. He has great potential and is performing very well. He will improve even more,” Flick said.

Flick played down suggestions that he should campaign for Barcelona players to win the Ballon d’Or, despite acknowledging the quality within his squad.

“It is not my job to campaign. The matter is complicated enough, and there are excellent players in my team, but I am not a fan of these things. The team is the most important thing and if we perform well, the chances of winning individual awards will be much higher,” he said.

Asked whether Barcelona’s squad was capable of challenging for every major honour, including the Champions League, Flick said the team’s collective performance would be decisive.

“We are playing well and we are in excellent form, but what really matters is how we play as one team. If the players are connected with each other and there is a good atmosphere, that is better,” he said.

“The atmosphere is really great and we have to maintain this enthusiasm and focus.”

Flick was encouraged by Rodri’s recovery after the player experienced minor discomfort in recent days. The midfielder trained well but a decision on whether he will start against Rayo Vallecano will be made later.

“He had some slight pain in recent days, but he is better now. He trained well and his condition looks encouraging. We will see what we do tomorrow,” Flick said.

The Barcelona boss also said Lamine Yamal was in a positive mood after returning from injury and completing a full 90 minutes.

“Of course, it is always good to see him smile. I do not smile every day myself either, and everyone cares about him,” Flick said.

“He played in the World Cup after recovering from his injury and he is training well. The first match was not his best, but I was happy with what he gave us. Now he has played 90 minutes, which is good for him. His training today was excellent and we have to support him.”