Hansi Flick makes surprise admission about Fermín Lopez, offers transfer update after Iñigo Martinez exit from Barcelona

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick spoke about his excitement for young midfielder Fermín López and also addressed the possibility of a new signing to replace the departure of Iñigo Martínez.

Speaking in a press conference on Friday, the German revealed he wasn’t very impressed with Fermín’s earlier performances in preseason, but was very excited about what he saw from López in the Joan Gamper Trophy last Sunday after a couple of strong weeks in training.

Flick is excited about his depth in midfield, knows Fermín and Dani Olmo provide a lot of quality in the number 10 position, and suggested he will manage their minutes more carefully this season after not rotating his squad as much in his first campaign in charge.

Hansi also spoke about the transfer market, and denied reports of a conversation with Deco to find a replacement for Martínez at center-back. He also made it clear he plans to use Gerard Martín as a central defender, placing his full trust in the full-back to do well in a new position if and when his number is called.

“Last season was spectacular for [Fermín]. We have a lot of quality in that position [with] Dani Olmo, too. We have to manage it well, the minutes, the players… I’m very happy. I wasn’t so happy [with Fermín] in preseason, but he’s improved in the last two weeks. Against Como, he showed how good he is.

“[Replacing Iñigo with a new signing?] I haven’t spoken to Deco. We can also use Gerard Martín in this position, I value him a lot. Last year he played fantastically, he has improved a lot. Further back he also plays well. I like players who can be versatile.”

Flick seems to indicate there will be no more signings in this window, and he thinks his squad is good and versatile enough to handle a long season as it’s currently constructed. Do you agree with the boss, Barça fans?

Source: barcablaugranes.com