Flick says Hamza Abdulkarim will get his chance to play for Barcelona

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick says Egyptian striker Hamza Abdulkarim will be given opportunities to feature for the club’s first team after impressing during pre-season.

Abdulkarim was one of Barcelona’s standout performers during preparations for the new campaign and finished as the club’s leading scorer during that period. However, he was named among the substitutes for Barcelona’s opening two matches of the season.

Speaking at a news conference, Flick said: “Hamza Abdulkarim deserves to play, and he will play.”

The German manager explained that the player’s performances before the season and his work in training had earned him the opportunity.

“Hamza Abdulkarim deserves to play because of what he did during pre-season and what he is doing in training,” Flick added.

“He is very good in front of goal and has a good mentality. He will play some minutes, and we will give him the chance to show his abilities in one of the league matches.”

Barcelona are preparing to face Rayo Vallecano on Monday in the third round of La Liga, and Flick indicated that Abdulkarim could be involved as he begins to make the transition into the senior side.

The teenager’s pre-season form made him one of the most prominent members of Barcelona’s squad during the build-up to the campaign, but he has so far had to wait for his first appearance in a competitive match.

Flick also discussed his decision to use Raphinha as the central striker, rather than in his more familiar wide position.

“Why did I choose Raphinha to play as the number nine? Because the striker is always the first player to start the pressing process, and Raphinha does that extremely well,” said Flick.

“Raphinha is one of our leaders on the pitch. Everyone knows that when Raphinha raises the intensity of the pressing and the tempo of the game, the rest of the players immediately join him.”

Flick declined to discuss reports linking Barcelona with a summer move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez.

Asked whether Barcelona could make further signings before the transfer window closes, Flick said sporting director Deco was continuing to work on the club’s plans.

“More signings before the end of the transfer window? Deco is working on that, and if he can strengthen the team, that is what he is trying to do,” Flick said.

The manager stressed that Barcelona were not under pressure to complete another deal and said any decision would depend on whether the squad could be improved.

“We are not under any pressure. It is simply about seeing whether we can improve the team. Deco has done a great job so far, I am happy with my team and very happy with the group I have,” he added.