FC Barcelona take on Rayo Vallecano on Monday night at the Spotify Camp Nou in the third matchday of the 2026/27 La Liga season.
Having made a fine start to the campaign with solid wins over Elche and Athletic Club, the reigning champions will be eager to extend their perfect record to three games and retain their hold at the top of the table.
Barça’s opponents on the night, Rayo Vallecano, are still looking for their first win of the season, after losing their opening game vs Sevilla, before playing out a 1-1 draw against Alaves last time out.
Ahead of Monday night’s clash against Rayo, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick addressed the media in his pre-match press conference, discussing various issues, including the club’s transfer plans for the final days of the summer window.
Happy with the squad
Kicking things off, the German tactician made it clear that he was very happy with the squad at his disposal and praised the work done by sporting director Deco.
“Yes, I’m happy and we’re not under any pressure. Deco has done a fantastic job. For me, that’s fine. As a coach, the most important thing is to work with what we have,” he said.
On whether the squad was capable of winning all major trophies, Flick added: “A lot can happen in a season. Everyone is hungry, and now we have to play as a team. We need to have team spirit, and that’s how things can happen.
“The atmosphere we have here is incredible, and we have to keep it up, even though we have great players.”
Not closing the door on a new centre-back signing. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
With Alvaro Cortes on his way out, the Barcelona manager was asked if they planned on signing a new centre-back, to which his reply was non-committal.
“We always look at what’s possible, and we’ll see until the last day of the transfer window,” he said.
“As for Alvaro Cortes, he’s taken a step forward, but it’s good for him to play at the highest level at his age, perhaps in Belgium, because that way he can improve.
“Playing another year with the reserve team isn’t an option for him, and the best thing for him is to go to another club.”
On his thoughts about the transfer window being open three weeks into the new season, Flick simply said: “I can’t change it.”
On the new signings
The manager then gave an update on Barcelona’s marquee summer signing Rodri and whether he could be in the starting XI against Rayo Vallecano.
“Rodri has had some issues these past few days, but he’s improved and could start, but we’ll decide tomorrow,” he said.
Regarding the club’s latest signing, Dominik Livakovic, Flick noted: “We’re happy with Tek [Szczesny]. I’m very pleased to have an experienced goalkeeper. His signing is with the future in mind.”
The German tactician also highlighted the talent of another new signing, Jesse Bisiwu, saying: “He’s training with us and will play with Barça Atletic. He has a lot of potential but it’s not easy, he’ll continue to improve in training.”
On the rest of the team
Flick also discussed the situation of key midfielder Frenkie de Jong and the possibility of him undergoing surgery, considering he is currently on conservative treatment for his knee injury.
“It’s important that he takes it one day at a time. We have a long season with many matches. He’s a fantastic player and I’m thrilled to have him on the team,” Flick stated.
“We’ll have to manage everyone’s playing time after a World Cup. We have to control the minutes. Everyone will want to play, but the team comes first, not me or the players.”
Regarding his decision to utilise Raphinha as a No. 9 this season, Flick explained: “As a ‘9’, he always initiates the pressure and that’s very good.
“He’s our leader and when he starts the intensity with his dynamism he’s fantastic, also because of his ability to score. There are other players to play there at other times in the game.”
Flick happy with Raphinha’s performances as a No. 9. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
The manager also touched upon Lamine Yamal’s quiet start to the season and the fact that the youngster has appeared somewhat frustrated, saying:
“It’s good when a player smiles, but it doesn’t always have to be that way. Lamine played in the World Cup and has returned after three weeks of vacation. The match against Elche wasn’t his best, but he worked hard for the team, and I was very happy.
“Against Athletic, he played 90 minutes, and it was great to see him back at his top level. He’s been excellent in training. We have to support him, and that’s what we want to see from him.”
On the plans he has for youngster Brian Farinas, the manager remarked: “As for Brian, he surprised me in pre-season. He’s a great talent, very committed, and can play in several positions.
“It’s fantastic to see how much he’s improved. It’s not easy for him because there are fantastic players in his position, but he deserves to play.”
Touching upon the situation of Hamza Abdelkarim, who was Barcelona’s top scorer in pre-season, but has yet to make his La Liga debut, Flick said:
“It’s not always easy to give opportunities to deserving players like him. He had a great preseason and he’s improving every day in training.
“He scores goals, has a good attitude and a good mentality. He deserves to play and we want to give him opportunities to show his quality.”
The Barcelona manager also gave his two cents about the Ballon d’Or, saying: “It’s not my job to run campaigns. Of course, there are very good players on my team. I’m not a fan of these awards.
“When the team is successful, the chances of winning these awards are higher. There are many good players in Spain, but it’s not easy to choose one.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo