Hansi Flick Avoids Talking About Julián Álvarez but Leaves the Door Open at Barcelona

Hansi Flick avoided speaking directly about Julián Álvarez but backed Laporta and Deco as Barcelona weighs its options to strengthen the attack before the transfer window closes.

Flick Backs Laporta as Julián Álvarez Saga Remains Open

The future of Julián Álvarez continues to generate tension around FC Barcelona, especially with the transfer window approaching its closing stages. Hansi Flick was asked about the Atlético de Madrid striker during his press conference ahead of the match against Athletic Club, but the German coach avoided directly addressing the possibility of the forward joining the Catalan side.

However, his comments left plenty to analyze. Flick recalled that president Joan Laporta had spoken clearly about the situation and assured that both he and Deco are fully aligned with that position.

"The president sent a clear message yesterday. And Deco and I completely agree with it," the coach said.

Flick Avoids Julián's Name but Talks About a '9' for the Future

Flick was even more specific when explaining how he views the construction of the squad. The German acknowledged that, as a coach, he always wants to have the best players possible, but he also stressed that such a decision must fit into the club's overall project.

"I don't want to talk about Julián. I only care about the situation of the club," he explained.

The coach highlighted that Barcelona has made important additions during the summer and that the objective must be to maintain a competitive squad without compromising the club's future stability.

According to the statements made after the press conference, the coach believes the sporting department is working to build a team capable of competing now while remaining among Europe's elite in the coming seasons.

Julián Álvarez Adds to the Uncertainty After Missing Training

While Flick attempted to keep the focus away from the Argentine striker, Julián Álvarez's situation added another chapter of uncertainty. The forward did not take part in Atlético de Madrid's training session and, according to sources from the Madrid club, his absence was explained by the fact that "the player had a bad night."

The episode comes after several particularly intense days surrounding the Argentine's future. Barcelona would have put an offer of around $116 million on the table, but Atlético has remained reluctant to part ways with one of its most important players.

The situation also became more complicated after the insults Julián received when he came on during the draw against Villarreal. The Madrid club subsequently would have opened the door for the player to seek a move, with Arsenal emerging as an alternative, although the striker reportedly has no intention of returning to England.

Barcelona Keeps the Pressure On as Time Runs Out

Barcelona finds itself in a race against the clock. Julián Álvarez remains one of the most attractive names to strengthen the attack, but the deal depends on multiple factors and, above all, Atlético's willingness to negotiate.

Flick, for his part, appears determined not to become publicly involved in the situation. His approach is more institutional than sporting: confidence in the current squad, support for Deco's work and a commitment to long-term planning.

"I have total confidence in the quality we have in the team right now," the German coach said, although he also acknowledged that there will be matches during the season in which the team will need to find solutions.