Flick : « Hamza est énorme, mais ce dilemme est un vrai casse-tête »
Hansi Flick Keeps Focus on Barcelona Ahead of Season Opener Against Elche
Quick Summary: Barcelona coach Hansi Flick held a press conference before the team’s first La Liga match of the season. He refused to discuss transfer target Julián Álvarez, praised young Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim, and shared updates on João Cancelo and Alejandro Balde.
The Big Picture: Barcelona’s Season Finally Starts
Barcelona’s 2024-25 La Liga campaign kicks off tomorrow (Sunday) against Elche. This is technically their second matchday, but their first game was postponed—so this is their real season opener.
Before the match, head coach Hansi Flick faced the media. Here’s what happened, explained simply.
"I Won’t Talk About Álvarez" — Flick Shuts Down Transfer Questions
Reporters asked Flick about Julián Álvarez, the Argentine striker who plays for Atlético Madrid. Barcelona reportedly wants to sign him.
What Flick Said:
"I don’t know what you want to hear, but I repeat what I’ve already said. I will not talk about Julián. I don’t want to address this topic. Like I’ve said before, I don’t talk about players from other teams."
When asked if he’s worried the transfer might fail:
"That doesn’t worry me. I don’t talk about players from other teams. We want to strengthen the squad. This is about the team and the club—not one player, not me. Deco [Barcelona’s sporting director] and I know what we want. He’s done a fantastic job."
Important Point: Flick is staying focused on his current players, not transfer rumors. He trusts the club’s leadership (Deco) to handle signings.
Flick Praises Young Star Hamza Abdelkarim
One of the most exciting updates? Flick had glowing words for Hamza Abdelkarim, a young Egyptian striker (a "number 9").
What Flick Said:
"Hamza has had a fantastic pre-season. He’s a centre-forward, a number 9, young, with huge potential, and he’s scored goals. That’s what matters when you play that position. He’s done a fantastic job."
When asked who will start as striker against Elche:
"There are many options in attack. As for the first choice, I’m not certain. I think it won’t be a difficult decision."
Important Point: Abdelkarim is a youth academy product getting serious first-team attention. Flick values goal-scoring and pre-season performance—and Hamza has delivered both.
Other Squad Updates: Cancelo & Balde
João Cancelo — Ready to Go
"Yes, he can play tomorrow. He’s ready to participate. He has great quality and great passion. He gave us a lot last season."
Alejandro Balde — "A Difficult Question"
"It’s a difficult question. Balde has great quality. For me, it’s important to be able to fight for your place every time, and that’s what I want to see from every player. I see what they do every day, and how they prove they’re ready to play at the highest level. We need everyone. In the end, we only succeed as a team. We need everyone 100% invested."
Important Point: Flick wants competition for places. No guaranteed spots—players must earn minutes daily.
Key Takeaways at a Glance
| Topic | Flick’s Stance |
|---|---|
| Julián Álvarez transfer | Refuses to comment — "Not my job, not about one player" |
| Hamza Abdelkarim | "Fantastic pre-season, huge potential, scores goals" |
| Starting striker vs Elche | "Many options, not certain, won’t be difficult" |
| João Cancelo | "Ready, great quality, helped us last year" |
| Alejandro Balde | "Must fight for place — team success needs 100% from everyone" |
| Team philosophy | "We only succeed as a team" |
ELI5: What Does This All Mean?
Imagine your soccer team is about to play its first real game of the year. The coach stands up and says:
- "Stop asking me about that player on the other team. My job is to coach our players."
- "This young kid from our academy? He’s been amazing in practice. He scores goals. He might play."
- "Everyone has to earn their spot. Even the stars. If you work hard every day, you play. We win together."
That’s Flick in a nutshell: team first, noise second.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. Why won’t Flick talk about Julián Álvarez?
Because he’s under contract with Atlético Madrid (a rival). It’s considered disrespectful and unprofessional for a coach to publicly discuss another club’s players. Flick leaves transfers to the sporting director, Deco.
2. Who is Hamza Abdelkarim?
A young Egyptian striker from Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy. He’s a classic "number 9" (center-forward) who scored goals in pre-season. Flick thinks he has "huge potential."
3. Is Abdelkarim guaranteed to start against Elche?
No. Flick said there are "many options" and he’s "not certain" on the first choice—but added it "won’t be a difficult decision," suggesting he’s happy with whoever he picks.
4. What’s the deal with Alejandro Balde?
Balde is a talented left-back, but Flick wants competition. He didn’t promise minutes—he said Balde must "fight for his place every day." It’s a message to the whole squad.
5. Why was Barcelona’s first match postponed?
La Liga sometimes reschedules games due to European competition scheduling, TV rights, or stadium availability. Barcelona’s Matchday 1 fixture was moved, so Elche is their first actual game.
Summary
- Barcelona vs. Elche = Season opener (Matchday 2, first game played).
- Hansi Flick = Laser-focused on his squad, not transfer rumors.
- Julián Álvarez = Off-limits topic. "Not my job."
- Hamza Abdelkarim = Breakout pre-season star. Young, Egyptian, scores goals.
- João Cancelo = Fit and ready.
- Alejandro Balde = Must earn minutes like everyone else.
- Core message = "We only succeed as a team. 100% investment from everyone."
Final Thought: Flick is building a culture of accountability and collective effort. Whether it’s a wonderkid from La Masia or a seasoned pro like Cancelo, the rule is the same: earn it every day.