Flick: Our goal is to beat Elche, not worried about new striker

German coach Hans Flick held a press conference before the match against Elche, scheduled for Sunday evening, marking the start of the Catalan team's La Liga campaign for the 2026/2027 season.

Hansi Flick spoke about the upcoming clash against Elche: "We will need to give our best at 100%, and I believe everyone must put in their utmost without holding back."

Regarding player minute management, he added: "Of course, we have to manage participation minutes, and this is not easy, but there are no excuses, this is the first match and we must win it and start well. The match will not be easy, as Elche is good at playing with the ball, transitioning quickly, and maintaining possession."

Regarding the changes in the team after the departures of Rashford, Varane, and Lewandowski, he stated: "There have been many changes, but sometimes changing things within the dressing room is good too, so that everyone realizes it. We have signed top-level players, and the quality has increased. In the end, this is a competition, and everyone is competing to play, which makes the players stronger and helps them develop and grow the team. This is how we win titles. It’s a privilege to work daily with such great quality. I told the players that the quality is very good, but tomorrow the important things start, and we need to start well and achieve victory."

Regarding Rodri, he said: "Our plan is for him to join the team training on Monday. I am happy to have him here; he is a great player and a leader, with a unique personality."

Regarding Portuguese player João Cancelo: "Yes, he can play tomorrow, he is ready to participate, and in my opinion, he has wonderful technical abilities. He is a player with great passion, and he provided us with a lot last season. Offensively, he gave us more options and helped us win La Liga."

Regarding Balde's future, he clarified: "It's a difficult question because he has great quality, and it's important to know if the player is convinced and willing to compete for his position. That's what I want to see from all the players in my team. I see every day what they offer and their level, and whether they prove they are at the required standard to play. In the end, we must play as a team, and only then will we achieve success. I need everyone to be fully focused and ready at 100%."

Regarding the departure of some players: "There may be changes, and we have to wait until the end of the transfer window, we must wait until the end."

Regarding the possibility of relying on Hamza Abdel Karim as a striker against Elche, he added: "Hamza is having a very good preparation period, he is a pure striker and a young player with great potential, and he has scored goals, he has done a wonderful job."

Regarding the forward who will start against Elche, he confirmed: "We have many options within the team, of course I know who will play, and there may be a surprise tomorrow."

Regarding the failure to sign a new striker so far, he stated: "I am not worried about the lack of a clear striker arriving yet. I don't like to talk about players from other teams. Deco and I talk daily; everything is about the team and the club. Only Deco, a few others, and I know exactly what we want. Deco is doing a great job."

When asked about Julian Alvarez, Flick said: "I don't want to talk about Julian."