FC Barcelona stay among the many favorites not solely in La Liga but additionally in Europe, but the group nonetheless seems wanting the dominant degree it confirmed final season. After a slender escape towards Rayo Vallecano, head coach Hansi Flick was requested whether or not his aspect has grow to be too reliant on teenage star Lamine Yamal.
Barca opened the 2025-26 La Liga marketing campaign with two straight wins, however almost slipped up Sunday in Vallecas. A controversial penalty and a number of other key saves from goalkeeper Joan García spared Barcelona from a shock defeat. Nonetheless, the efficiency highlighted simply how weak the Blaugrana appeared away from their greatest.
One concern raised was whether or not Barcelona are leaning too closely on Yamal’s brilliance. Flick dismissed that notion in his post-match press convention. “No, no. I believe he’s a key participant like Pedri, like Frenkie (de Jong), like Rapha (Raphinha) after they’re at their greatest degree. Early within the season it’s regular to have issues discovering our rhythm.”
With a world break coming, Flick pressured the prospect to reset and work with the group. “I’m pleased we’ve a break now, and after the break we’ll work arduous on these items. With the suitable angle, we’ll be higher,” the German coach mentioned.
Pep Chavarria of Rayo Vallecano makes contact with Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona throughout the LaLiga EA Sports activities match between Rayo Vallecano de Madrid and FC Barcelona.
When league play resumes, Barcelona face Valencia on September 14 earlier than opening their UEFA Champions League marketing campaign towards Newcastle United 4 days later. Yamal admitted after the Rayo Vallecano match that he’s nonetheless removed from his peak, leaving Flick with the duty of re-energizing the squad that lifted a home treble final season.
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No egos at Barcelona
One late-summer storyline concerned the way forward for midfielder Fermin Lopez, who drew curiosity from Manchester United earlier in August and, extra not too long ago, Chelsea. Regardless of the hypothesis, Lopez featured towards Rayo Vallecano, with Flick signaling his need to maintain the 22-year-old on the membership.
Requested about López’s state of affairs, Flick emphasised group unity above all else. “Immediately we communicate concerning the group, not concerning the gamers, as a result of we might discuss many gamers. An important factor for me is that when the switch market closes, everyone seems to be 100% dedicated to this membership and to this group.”
The coach then delivered a broader message directed on the total squad, together with his greatest stars. “That is a very powerful factor for us: no egos, as a result of egos kill each success. Final season we performed as one group, one unit. We now have to get again to that.”
