Fc Barcelona Training Day In Barcelona
Europa Press via Getty Images
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick spoke to the press on Friday ahead of Saturday’s La Liga debut against Mallorca, and the coach — as usual — had to answer a few questions not related to the game.
The German was asked about the ongoing registration issues as Barça race against the clock to make sure goalkeeper Joan Garcia and forward Marcus Rashford can be part of the squad for the trip to Son Moix. Flick admitted he’s not happy but remains calm about the situation, as he trusts the club to find a solution.
”This is the situation, it’s not something I’m happy about, but I trust the club. We have to wait until tomorrow. The same thing happened last season. We have to focus on what we can do. As for the rest, I trust the club.
Flick was also asked about the departure of Iñigo Martínez, and revealed he was surprise when the defender told him about his plans to move to Saudi Arabia. But the coach says he understands Iñigo’s decision, and was full of praise for his contributions during their one season together in Catalonia.
“I’ve already mentioned it. We were flying back from South Korea. We were arriving in Barcelona. It was a surprise for me, but I understand perfectly. I’m not happy because he’s a fantastic player with a great personality. He follows what the coach tells him. He was a player who helped the rest of the players a lot. He knew what to do, he followed what he was told... he was one of the leaders in the dressing room. He was a great player and person. I wish him all the best.”
Hansi is more than used to the chaotic and often dramatic nature of Barça’s daily life by now, so he knows that somehow the registrations will be done in time. It shouldn’t be this difficult, and the league’s rules have made it even more difficult for almost every single team, not just Barça, to register players these days.
It’s not football, it’s La Liga!