Flick teases 'surprise' striker option for much-changed Barcelona ahead of Elche opener

Hansi Flick has hinted at a surprise striker option for Barcelona ahead of their season opener against Elche on Sunday, with the German insisting he is not worried about his side’s options up front. 

Following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, Barcelona’s leading centre-forwards last season, there has been plenty of discussion over their replacements, or lack thereof. 

The Blaugrana were heavily linked with Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez throughout the summer, though a deal now appears unlikely, with Atletico boss Diego Simeone confirming on Saturday that the Argentine will remain at the Metropolitano this season. 

Nonetheless, Barcelona have strengthened their attack with the signings of Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, alongside the high-profile arrivals of Joao Cancelo and 2024 Ballon d'Or winner and Spain World Cup-winning captain Rodri, who opted to join Barca over rivals Real Madrid. 

Despite the lack of a recognised striker in the squad, Flick remains confident in the options available to him, while also praising the work of Barcelona sporting director Deco. 

"We have many options within the team," the Barca boss said in his pre-match press conference. "Of course, I know who will play. There might even be a surprise tomorrow. 

"I'm not worried that we haven't signed a No. 9 yet. I don't like to talk about players from other teams. 

"Deco and I talk every day. It's all about the team and the club. Only Deco, I, and a few other people know exactly what we want. He is doing a fantastic job.

"There have been a lot of changes in the squad, but sometimes it’s good to change things in the dressing room. 

"That way, everyone is aware of it. We’ve brought in top-level players, and the quality is higher. In the end, this is a competition, and everyone is competing to play.  

"This makes the players stronger, helps them improve, and makes the team grow. That’s how titles are won. It's a privilege to be able to train every day with this enormous quality.  

"I told the players that the quality is very good, but tomorrow the important stuff starts. We have to get off to a good start and with a win." 

Ahead of hosting the Spanish champions, meanwhile, Elche were held to a 1-1 draw by Deportivo de A Coruna on Tuesday.

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

Elche – Marc Aguado 

Elche midfielder Marc Aguado has been directly involved in three goals in his last 12 LaLiga matches (two goals, one assist), this after having contributed to just one across his first 24 league appearances. 

Barcelona – Lamine Yamal 

Lamine Yamal has found the net in both of his two league appearances against Elche (two goals), making them one of two opponents he has a 100% record of scoring against, along with Granada (two in two, three goals in total). 

MATCH PREDICTION – BARCELONA WIN 

Barcelona are unbeaten in their last 11 away league games against Elche (W8 D3), winning each of the last five – their longest such run against Elche in the Spanish top flight. 

Flick’s confidence will be further boosted by his side’s superb record in season openers. The Blaugrana have lost their opening LaLiga match in just one of their last 17 campaigns (W14 D2) – a 1-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao in August 2019. 

Barca have also picked up points in 19 of their last 20 away league games against teams from the Valencian Community (W17 D2), though they lost the most recent such match 3-1 against Valencia in May. 

Flick’s side have also gone 35 LaLiga matches without a draw (W29 L6) a – their longest such run in the competition. 

Elche, meanwhile, can take confidence from their strong home form. Martin Anselmi’s side are unbeaten in their last seven league matches at the Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero (W4 D3), since a 3-1 defeat to Barcelona in January. 

WIN PROBABILITY 

Elche – 13.8% 

Draw – 18.7% 

Barcelona – 67.6%