Seven midfielders for three positions: Flick's sudoku in Barça's midfield

The midfield has long been the key to Barça's game. Controlling the game requires a midfield packed with talent. And that's something the club has strived to do its utmost for years, perhaps reaching its peak with the names of Xavi Hernández , Andrés Iniesta , and Sergio Busquets , key figures in both Barça's success and that of a Spanish national team capable of winning two European Championships and its first World Cup between 2008 and 2012. Right now, the squad Hansi Flick is counting on to build his second project has a large number of midfielders. Pedri , Frenkie de Jong , Marc Casadó , Fermín López , Marc Bernal , now recovered from the very serious knee injury he suffered last year, Gavi and even the versatile Dani Olmo must compete to fill the, in principle, three places that the German coach reserves for his team's particular engine room. A series of names that Oriol Romeu would also add to, if he continues as a Barça player, although the Ulldecona native is negotiating his departure from the club.

Seven players for three positions

In total, the German coach has seven players in three positions. But far from asking for any departures that could make things easier for him, and even further ease the financial burden on a Barça side that continues to struggle to achieve the 1:1 Rule in its Financial Fair Play, Flick even blesses the overbooking in the Barça midfield. Therefore, he doesn't want to hear about the possible departures of Marc Casadó or Fermín López, despite the fact that rumors about a possible sale of the former have intensified in recent hours, which could leave up to 30 million euros in the Barcelona coffers.

"I've spoken to him, obviously. But I don't think he wants to leave the club, and I also want him here because it's going to be a difficult season and we need all the players. He gives us confidence, to the team and the group. We need all the players to achieve the goals we've set for ourselves this season," the coach assured.

Something that, of course, the German extended to Fermín López, whom he saw improve throughout the preseason and who, ultimately, started in last week's LaLiga opener against Mallorca. "I can repeat exactly what I said: I don't want to lose any player right now. Fermín is doing very well, I'm happy with him, with everyone, and I want everyone to stay," insisted Flick, who may have to change the midfield he assembled on the pitch at Son Moix given the lack of training this week for Frenkie de Jong, who has just become a father for the second time. "Gavi and Casadó can play there," the German said in this regard, while also declining to give any clues about who will be in charge of the attack. Although Robert Lewandowski is already recovering from his injuries, it's very possible that Ferran Torres will return to the starting lineup.

"We've been thinking about how the match might go, and we have different options. Ferran scored last matchday, and that's the best argument for a repeat. But if it's possible for him to play a few minutes, why not?" said Flick, who is confident the club can complete the registration of several players who are still pending as soon as possible. Especially Gerard Martín, whose potential to play on the left side of the center of defense is highly valued, and who would currently be the only left-footed center back.