Flick's surprising answer about the next Ballon d'Or

Hansi Flick assessed the state of his dressing room this Sunday. The German coach said he is very satisfied with his players’ performances in these first two LaLiga matches, both of which Barça have won, and with the composition of his squad for the 26-27 season, although he did not rule out one more signing in the final days. He also referred to Lamine ’s emotional and sporting situation. The coach spoke ahead of the clash against Rayo , although he did not receive any questions about the match...

I'm happy with the team I have. Deco is working to see if he can strengthen it. But we're under no pressure. So far he has done a fantastic job. For me, everything is fine. I see quality in training, and we're doing well. We're on the right track.

Deco is working to see if he can strengthen the team

"We are happy with Tek, and Livakovic knows the situation. It is a signing for the future. We are happy with his signing".

Let's take it day by day. He has improved. The season is long and he is a fantastic player. I'm happy that he's here, he has quality and we need him to achieve our objectives. We have to manage the load of minutes, there are World Cup players... we have to monitor and manage it, and everyone wants to play. But the team is the priority, neither me nor any individual player. It is the club.

De Jong has improved, he has quality and we need him to achieve our objectives

I think his situation is clear. He trains with us but plays with the reserve team. He has potential. He is doing very well, but he can improve and I'm sure he will.

"No, it's not my job. Mine is already difficult enough without having to keep track of that. There are many good players on my team. I'm not a fan of these things. I'm concerned about the team; if it is successful, there are more chances of winning individual titles. There are world-class players and it isn't easy to choose just one".

I'm not a fan of the Ballon d'Or

"In one season, many things can happen. But, as of today, we are doing well. Everything has to do with how we play as a team. It’s not about one player or two, it’s about being connected and being a team. The setting and the atmosphere are very good and we have to keep it that way. It is important to achieve our objectives. Team spirit is very important".

"As a number 9, he starts the press well. And he is a leader on the pitch. He has intensity. And in front of goal he does very well. That's why he plays there. It's not a problem for him. Fermín can also play there. He played the final minutes and also scored".

"No siempre es fácil, we think about giving minutes to those who deserve them, and he deserves them. He had a great preseason and trains well. He is doing very well in front of goal, and he also has the right mentality. He deserves to play and will get minutes. We have to give him opportunities to show his quality".

Hamza deserves to play and will get minutes

"Rodri has had some minor issues in recent days, but he's fine now. He's ready to start, but we'll see. Fariñas, like Hamza. He has surprised me a lot, he is an excellent player with a lot of talent, he is very fit and committed. He can play in several positions. There are many players in midfield, but he deserves to play some minutes".

We are always looking at what we can do, right up until the end of the market. All clubs do it. Álvaro has taken a step forward. At his age, he needs to play. It's good for him to play in Belgium. Here he might not have the minutes he needs. And staying with the reserves is not an option.

"I prefer to have everything done at the start of the season, but there are things I can't change".

It's good that Lamine smiles, but every day is the same, I don't smile every day either

Always good to see a player smile, but not every day is the same. I don’t smile every day either. Everyone is worried about him, but he played in a World Cup after an injury. He had three weeks of vacation. He has played two matches; the first perhaps wasn’t the best, but I’m happy because he gives us more, creates chances... against Athletic he played the full 90 minutes, I saw him at a top level. Today he was excellent. He’s on a very good path. We have to support him, and I’m going to do it.