Barcelona’s new coach, Hansi Flick, is eagerly waiting for the club’s summer signing, Dani Olmo, to be registered in time for the upcoming LaLiga match against Athletic Club. Olmo, who was bought from RB Leipzig for a hefty sum of €55 million, has yet to make his debut due to the club exceeding their spending limit. Flick expressed his hope that Olmo would be available for the weekend game, emphasizing the player’s readiness to contribute on the field. The coach praised Olmo’s skills, particularly his composure under pressure and his abilities in front of the goal, highlighting the positive impact he could have on the team.
Apart from the anticipation of Olmo’s debut, Barcelona is actively working on finalizing deals for outgoing players like Vitor Roque and Mikayil Faye. Additionally, there are rumors of potential exits for other players such as Clément Lenglet, Ansu Fati, and Eric García before the transfer window closes. The club is reportedly looking to strengthen their squad by adding a left winger and a full-back after successfully registering Olmo. Federico Chiesa is earmarked as a potential target to bolster the attacking options, while Marc Pubill and João Cancelo are considered viable options for the full-back positions. Flick, however, remains focused on the current squad members, emphasizing the importance of working with the players at his disposal to achieve the desired results.
Facing Athletic Club at the Olympic Stadium
Following a victorious start to his tenure with a 2-1 win against Valencia, Flick is gearing up to take on Athletic Club in what promises to be a challenging fixture at the Olympic Stadium. Athletic, who finished fifth in the previous season, present a formidable opponent led by the talented Spain winger, Nico Williams. Flick acknowledged the threat posed by Williams but expressed confidence in his player, Jules Koundé, to handle the task effectively. Despite Barcelona’s reported interest in signing Williams, Flick remained focused on preparing his team for the upcoming match, emphasizing the importance of concentrating on the present squad.
On the other side, Athletic coach Ernesto Valverde downplayed the speculation surrounding Williams’ potential transfer to Barcelona, urging to shift the focus away from the ongoing saga. Valverde emphasized Williams’ commitment to the team and dismissed the exaggerated media coverage surrounding the player’s future. He emphasized the normalcy of such transfer rumors in football and underlined Williams’ dedication to the club by returning for preseason with a positive attitude, indicating his contentment with the current situation.
Barcelona’s summer transfer activities and the anticipation surrounding Dani Olmo’s debut reflect the club’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the squad and tackle the challenges of the upcoming season. While the focus remains on integrating new signings and solidifying the team, both coaches approach the situation with different perspectives, highlighting the complexities involved in managing a top-tier football club.
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