
Flick: We Need to Plan for the Future Now, and Yamal is a Genius Player
Hans Flick, the head coach of Barcelona, expressed his great happiness with what has been achieved in his first season with the Catalan team, after winning the domestic treble: La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup, stressing the importance of teamwork and continuous development.
Flick said: "We are working hard and trying to play at the highest level, which is of course the level of the Champions League, and we also want to win the title."
He added: "In the end, at Barcelona, it is always like this, you have to win titles, and of course, in our first season, we won three titles, which is very good."
The German coach continued: "I know it’s not easy, but we have to work hard and show that we are a great team in defense and attack. For me, it’s not about perfection, but about development. When I see the team improving and progressing, that’s what I wish for. Helping every player to show their best for this club is wonderful, and that’s what we are here for."
Flick praised the rising talent Lamine Yamal, saying: "Lamine Yamal is a genius, he is only 17 years old, and we need to help him, and I hope he loves us too, and that we can nurture him, because he is young, and it seems that everything is easy for him now, but it isn’t. If you want to play at the highest level for 15 years, you have to train well and be in top shape. Lamine is smart, but just enjoying it is not enough; hard work is also necessary."
Regarding the toughest match the team played in La Liga, Flick said: "The big matches weren’t the most important for me; it was the match against Espanyol. I knew it would be very difficult, especially after Real Madrid scored a goal in the last moments of their match. Everyone told me that facing Espanyol wouldn’t be easy because it’s a derby, and they played very well, defended strongly, and counter-attacked us, but thanks to Lamine and Fermín, we had a great match."
On Barcelona's long-term plans, Flick clarified: "Regarding the playing style and my philosophy, we want to give players and the team broader options. It’s very positive that we are talking with Bojan and Deco about the coming years. We’re not just discussing next season, but the future, and we might even discuss the 2026/2027 season and what might happen."
Flick continued, praising the trust he received from the club's management: "Laporta believed in me; all I can do is give my all. I’m not alone; I have a wonderful group of coaches, therapists, doctors, and analysts. We are a team of experts helping the players to develop."
Flick concluded his remarks by praising the team duo, Raphinha and Pedri, saying: "It was clear to me that Raphinha is a great player; I know his talent very well. He just needs confidence. He is a Brazilian player with a good heart, mentality, and great attitude, and I’m convinced of his potential."
He added: "When the ball is with Pedri, it’s wonderful to watch him. He has improved a lot, and I remember his first match in Valencia when he came on as a substitute and changed the course of the game. I’m very happy to have him, and I believe he can be one of the leaders in the future, and I will do everything I can to help him."
Flick said: "We are working hard and trying to play at the highest level, which is of course the level of the Champions League, and we also want to win the title."
He added: "In the end, at Barcelona, it is always like this, you have to win titles, and of course, in our first season, we won three titles, which is very good."
The German coach continued: "I know it’s not easy, but we have to work hard and show that we are a great team in defense and attack. For me, it’s not about perfection, but about development. When I see the team improving and progressing, that’s what I wish for. Helping every player to show their best for this club is wonderful, and that’s what we are here for."
Flick praised the rising talent Lamine Yamal, saying: "Lamine Yamal is a genius, he is only 17 years old, and we need to help him, and I hope he loves us too, and that we can nurture him, because he is young, and it seems that everything is easy for him now, but it isn’t. If you want to play at the highest level for 15 years, you have to train well and be in top shape. Lamine is smart, but just enjoying it is not enough; hard work is also necessary."
Regarding the toughest match the team played in La Liga, Flick said: "The big matches weren’t the most important for me; it was the match against Espanyol. I knew it would be very difficult, especially after Real Madrid scored a goal in the last moments of their match. Everyone told me that facing Espanyol wouldn’t be easy because it’s a derby, and they played very well, defended strongly, and counter-attacked us, but thanks to Lamine and Fermín, we had a great match."
On Barcelona's long-term plans, Flick clarified: "Regarding the playing style and my philosophy, we want to give players and the team broader options. It’s very positive that we are talking with Bojan and Deco about the coming years. We’re not just discussing next season, but the future, and we might even discuss the 2026/2027 season and what might happen."
Flick continued, praising the trust he received from the club's management: "Laporta believed in me; all I can do is give my all. I’m not alone; I have a wonderful group of coaches, therapists, doctors, and analysts. We are a team of experts helping the players to develop."
Flick concluded his remarks by praising the team duo, Raphinha and Pedri, saying: "It was clear to me that Raphinha is a great player; I know his talent very well. He just needs confidence. He is a Brazilian player with a good heart, mentality, and great attitude, and I’m convinced of his potential."
He added: "When the ball is with Pedri, it’s wonderful to watch him. He has improved a lot, and I remember his first match in Valencia when he came on as a substitute and changed the course of the game. I’m very happy to have him, and I believe he can be one of the leaders in the future, and I will do everything I can to help him."