Hansi Flick has enjoyed plenty of success already since taking charge of Barcelona, winning La Liga, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup titles. The German coach also has Barcelona playing exciting football, has handed nine youngsters first-team debuts and has his team still in contention to win La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League this season.
However, as highlighted by SPORT, the reigning La Liga champions could find a solution in Juliano Belletti's Barça Atletic squad. Alvaro Cortes an option Hansi Flick could look at Indeed, as per the outlet, if Barcelona's defensive absences make it necessary to look for a reliable centre-back, Hansi Flick could look at reserve team captain Alvaro Cortes. Cortes is a solid, technical and consistent centre-back who is more than ready to make the step up to elite football.
We are always afraid to promote young players and that's the problem in Germany. Just unleash them. There are no arguments at all [against calling Karl for the national team]. There's never promotion too early and there's never a national team too early. If I can achieve something, I have to go straight on this path,
Leading up to the game, the Blaugrana look set to welcome Raphinha and Joan Garcia back into the scheme of things, with the pair recovering fully from their injuries. Pedri, too, is closing in on a comeback, but did not train with the group today, as Barcelona do not wish to take any risks by rushing him back. Guillem Victor called up According to Sergi Capdevila of SPORT, Hansi Flick called up young right-back Guillem Victor to first-team training today.
According to an update from SPORT, Juan Hernandez has trained with Barcelona's first team for the second straight day. The 18-year-old continues to attract attention within the club, and his growing involvement with Hansi Flick's side highlights the faith the manager has in La Masia's latest gem. Barcelona are currently facing a wave of injury problems, with several key players unavailable for the upcoming clash against Girona. Raphinha, Dani Olmo, and Robert Lewandowski have all been ruled out, leaving Flick with limited attacking options.