Barcelona Coach Flick Expresses Dissatisfaction over Registration Problems
FC Barcelona Faces Last-Minute Registration Hurdles Ahead of La Liga Opener
FC Barcelona has successfully registered new signings Marcus Rashford and Joan Garcia just in time for the La Liga season opener against Mallorca, following a series of financial maneuvers to comply with La Liga's strict salary cap rules. However, the process has caused visible frustration for head coach Hansi Flick, who remains confident in the club's ability to manage the situation.
The registration of Rashford, on a 12-month loan from Manchester United, came after the sale of the remaining 50% of Francisco Trincão’s rights for €11 million and the restructuring of Jules Koundé's amortization payments over additional years. Goalkeeper Joan García was also registered, using the salary space freed by the injured Marc-André ter Stegen, whose back surgery sidelines him for over four months.
Coach Flick expressed his dissatisfaction with the uncertainty surrounding the registration of new signings like Rashford and García, acknowledging the challenges and delays. He emphasized that the club must focus on what is within their control, noting a similar scenario last season and saying, "We just focus on what we can change, what we have in our hands."
To meet La Liga’s financial rules, Barcelona considered additional measures such as a €7 million bank guarantee against future earnings, a tactic used before to register players under salary cap constraints.
Despite the registration of Rashford and García, other players like Wojciech Szczęsny and Gerard Martín are still awaiting registration and are unlikely to be available for the opener against Mallorca. Flick’s concerns were heightened by striker Robert Lewandowski facing a major fitness doubt for the Mallorca game, increasing Rashford’s importance.
Looking ahead, Flick is optimistic about the upcoming season, aiming to maintain the winning mentality and improve further. He appreciates players who can be versatile, such as Gerard Martin, whom he believes can play as a center back. Flick values Martin highly and is looking forward to the second season with the Spain international in the team.
Flick is also satisfied with the performance of Ballon d'Or candidate Lamine Yamal, specifically praising his improved work rate. He is optimistic about the role of Yamal and other players in the team, as FC Barcelona aims to repeat their domestic treble-winning exploits from last season.
In a prematch press conference, Flick was questioned about the unregistered players. Despite his dissatisfaction, he trusts the club to resolve the issue and is focusing on preparing the team for the season opener.
[1] Barcelona complete signing of Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United
[2] Barcelona's Hansi Flick: Not happy about uncertainty over new signings
[3] Barcelona's Wojciech Szczesny, Gerard Martínez yet to be registered for LaLiga
[4] Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski doubtful for La Liga opener against Mallorca
[5] Barcelona's Joan Garcia: Why the club signed the goalkeeper
- Hansi Flick, the coach of FC Barcelona, is optimistic about the upcoming season, particularly about the role of Ballon d'Or candidate Lamine Yamal, who has shown improvement in his work rate.
- Despite the successful registration of Marcus Rashford and Joan Garcia just in time for the La Liga season opener, other players like Wojciech Szczęsny and Gerard Martín are still awaiting registration and are unlikely to be available for the opener against Mallorca, causing frustration for coach Hansi Flick.
