Flick talks Casado, De Jong, Lamine, Lewandowski, Fermin, Bardghji ahead of Levante vs Barcelona | OneFootball

FC Barcelona will be back in action this Saturday as they take on newly-promoted UD Levante on Matchday 2 of the 2025/26 La Liga season.

Having begun the new campaign on a winning note with a 3-0 triumph against Mallorca, the reigning champions will be gunning for another victory on Saturday.

Leading up to the game, though, there has been a lot of chatter surrounding Barcelona’s ability to register their unregistered four players as well as the future of a certain Marc Casado.

And in his press conference, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick came right out to address the situation surrounding the midfielder.

“I’ve spoken to him and he doesn’t want to leave, and I want him to stay. It’s going to be a difficult season, and we need all the players we have right now. He gives us confidence, and that’s what I want from him. It’s not easy for the coach, but we need all the players,” he said.

Looking at the challenges Levante might pose to his team, the Barcelona head coach noted:

“They’re a team with a good defence and also very good transitions. When they recover the ball, they’re very quick and we’ll have to be very careful. That’s what I’ve shown the players.”

Regarding their opening match against Mallorca, Flick remarked: “We are genuinely pleased to have won 0-3 in Mallorca and secured the first three points.

“I have been a player and I know what happens on the pitch, but for me, the important thing is to improve our level in these types of matches.

“For me, there are no excuses; we have to focus on the game plan. I told them that after the match, and I think they understood. I’m not worried.”

Frenkie de Jong celebrated the birth of his second child this week, and as such, there are question marks if he will feature against Levante from the start. Responding to the matter, Flick said:

“You know I don’t talk much about who will start, and I won’t do so today either. Frenkie is always ready to start, but I don’t want to talk about this today.”

On who could replace the Dutchman if he does not start, the manager said: “Gavi or Casado, both can play in that position, yes.”

Flick is hopeful Gerard Martin can be registered. (Photo by Paul Miller/Getty Images)

Talking about the availability of Gerard Martin, who is yet to be registered by Barcelona, Flick stated: “I hope he’ll be available against Levante. I’ve spoken to him, it’s my job. We’ll see what happens tomorrow.”

On having to play away from home for the first three weeks of the season, Flick opined: “I don’t see it as a problem, we’re focusing on the next game, Levante, and then we’ll focus on the next one, that’s how it is.

“Now I live in the present, and the most important thing is to be able to change what you can change and not what is out of your hands.”

There have also been some speculations about the future of Fermin Lopez, but Flick downplayed those as well, saying:

“I can only repeat what I’ve said. I don’t want to lose any players right now. It’s going to be a tough season, and we need players of Fermin’s quality. He did very well last season and at the start of this one. I’m happy with him, and I want to keep all the players.”

On the fitness situation of Robert Lewandowski and whether he is ready to play against Levante, Flick said:

“We’ll see, we’ve thought that depending on how the match goes, we’ll see. We have several options for the No. 9 position. Ferran scored, and that’s the best argument for him to play again. But we’ll see if it’s possible for Robert to play, and if he can, we’ll include him.”

Providing an update on Roony Bardghji’s situation, who did not train with the rest of the group today, Flick remarked:

“He won’t be registered for this match, but he’s training hard and has a fantastic attitude and mentality, which helps us improve the overall quality of the team. What I tell him and the other young players is that they’re doing very well, but they have to play.

“They’ll play 45 or 60 minutes, and tomorrow we’ll choose one or two and take them to Valencia. Hopefully, next week they’ll all be registered.”

On where he believes new signing Marcus Rashford’s best position is, Flick said: “Of course, he gives us more options. He’s better as a number 11.

“But his strengths, his first touch, his speed… They help us a lot in the way we play, and we can enjoy a fantastic Marcus Rashford this season.”

The Barcelona head coach also gave his two cents about Lamine Yamal’s new ‘crown’ celebration, saying:

“I don’t care what people say about my team. He’s 18 years old and he’s a fantastic player. I’ll help him grow in the right way, and that’s what’s important. And what I see in his behaviour, everything is very good.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo