Flick: Hamza Abdelkarim can strengthen Barcelona’s future

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick believes Hamza Abdelkarim can become an important addition to the club’s future after the teenager signed a contract extension until 2030.

Barcelona have won all four of their league matches so far and are preparing to face Levante in the fifth round of La Liga.

Speaking at his pre-match news conference, Flick said continual improvement remained the priority for both himself and his players.

“Our objective is always to improve and we will get better day by day. That is my responsibility as a coach, as well as the responsibility of the players, and I believe we can improve,” he said.

Flick warned that football can change quickly, despite being satisfied with the team’s current situation.

“We know that things in football can change very quickly. I am happy with the current situation, but we must remain fully focused. If anything changes, we could head in the wrong direction, and that is not what we want.”

He also praised Fabregas and said his attention was fixed on the next match rather than the wider season.

“I like what Fabregas is doing. He is playing very well, and the team is performing in a great way. For me, the next match is the most important one and my focus is only on that,” said Flick.

“It is important that we take things one day at a time. We are on the right path, but there is still a long way to go before the end of the season.”

On Abdelkarim’s new contract, Flick added: “He gave an outstanding performance during pre-season and is competing with the other players for his position.

“Hamza brings a new dimension to the team and is a valuable addition to the future of the club. We really wanted him to join the team.”

Flick believes Barcelona are stronger than they were last season, while stressing that their defensive work is as important as their attacking play.

“Our team is currently better than last season. We always talk about attack, but defence is no less important,” he said.

“I look at the defence with Rodri or Bernal, or at the midfield. Since the World Cup, Cubarsi has been excellent. He has a lot of confidence and has improved physically. He is a very important player in his position, and our first-choice goalkeeper is also performing very well.”

Flick said the players, rather than the coach, deserved the credit for the team’s progress.

“I am just a coach. The players have to work on the pitch. I have a wonderful squad with outstanding players and it is incredible,” he said.

“Everything is going well at the moment and I am very happy. I enjoy my work, but I am not the most important person here. The important people are the players. The mentality they show all the time is excellent.”

Barcelona’s targets remain the Champions League and La Liga. Flick said winning the league three times in a row would be a major achievement, while also highlighting the importance of training, recovery, nutrition and maintaining fitness when matches are played every three days.

The club has several specialists supporting the players, and a new gym is close to completion, providing more space for improved recovery work.