Flick: Communication Between Players is Key to Success, and This is Our Goal

Barcelona coach Hans Flick confirmed in his statements at the press conference before facing Deportivo Alaves that the team has several leaders on the field, noting that Gavi represents the heart of the team since his return to training.

Flick said: "We have different leaders, Gavi has raised the level of training, he is the heart of the team, Pedri is a leader with the ball, Eric is also a leader, as well as Frenkie de Jong and Raphinha. We have different types of leaders, the most important thing is communication between players on the field, and I take responsibility. If communication is good, everything will be easier, and if you want to reach the highest level, communication is essential and we will continue to improve."

Regarding the team's celebrations and Yamal raising the Palestinian flag, Flick explained: "I usually don't like that much, I spoke with the player, we must consider what people expect from us, but he is 18 years old and it is his decision. It was moving to see people's tears at the celebration. Our primary goal is to make the fans happy, and I am proud of what we have achieved despite the difficult season due to injuries and the absence of important players like Lamine, Pedri, Raphinha, and Frenkie. What we have achieved is amazing, and we have improved a lot both offensively and defensively, and we are the team that concedes the least goals."

Regarding the player Balde, the coach said: "He has improved a lot and taken a step forward, but he still needs to develop, and we help him daily. He is a great player, and I talked to him after his return from injury, and Juan also provided a great level and gave us additional offensive options."

Regarding the transfer market, Flick stated: "We talked with Deco, things are clear between us, we have discussed a lot in the past months, but the work is not over yet."

Regarding the right-back position, he explained: "Koundé gives everything he has, but the choices are difficult, I didn't know he was unhappy about not playing, but he accepted the decision, we are a team, and it is too early to talk about next season."

About the comparison with Real Madrid, Flick said: "I don't think about Real Madrid, every coach focuses on his team."

Regarding Rashford and Lewandowski, he added: "I appreciate them a lot and am grateful to them, but we have to evaluate everything at the end of the season. Rashford's numbers are good, and Lewandowski needs no comment, I am proud to be his coach."

On the idea of relying on a lineup from La Masia academy, he said: "We did not discuss presenting a full lineup from La Masia, the important thing is the integration between the academy and the senior players, and this is what we have here."

Regarding individual awards, he confirmed: "We did not talk about individual awards, the most important thing is the team, if the team is not good, no one will win."

About his future with the club, Flick said: "I am very happy, and what we have achieved gives me the confidence to continue for an additional year or two, I have a contract until 2028, and if everything is good, we will extend it, it is an agreement between both parties, and I am grateful to the club for the trust."

He confirmed: "Our goal now is to reach 100 points, and that requires winning the remaining three matches and performing well."