Flick Silences Exit Rumors and Keeps Barça’s Project on Track

Flick Denies Departure Rumors and Reaffirms Barcelona’s Project

German coach Hans Flick, Barcelona’s manager, dismissed the recent reports about him leaving the Catalan club at the end of the season, stressing his full commitment to the project and his stay through the duration of his contract.

Flick had extended his deal with Barça to summer 2027 in May after guiding the team to last season’s domestic treble, restoring faith at Camp Nou after years of European disappointment.

However, after a Clasico loss to Real Madrid, media reports suggested internal tensions and Flick reconsidering his future, stirring concern among fans and pundits alike.

According to Sport, the German coach signed autographs for Barça fans in Belgium on Wednesday and fielded questions about the rumors. Flick responded with a brief smile and said it was “more nonsense,” a sharp, concise line that ended the debate for now.

Barça’s Champions League Schedule and Liga Position

Barcelona are preparing to face Club Brugge in a Champions League group stage clash, a key fixture as they sit second in the group with six points from three games.

In La Liga, Barça also sit second, five points behind leaders Real Madrid, in a title race that remains intensely competitive this season.

Flick’s squad list for Brugge travel included the return of Lewandowski after knee injury and the reintroduction of Dani Olmo, while Rafinha, Gavi, Pedri, Christensen, and Ter Stegen remained sidelined.

Squad News, Injuries, and Barça’s Physical Plan

The squad announcement showed a mix of regulars and back-ups, with Lewandowski back in the fold and Olmo returning after injury layoff, but several key players still out as Barça eye progress in Europe.

Rafinha’s situation looks positive, with reports from Sport suggesting he is in the final stretch of rehab and could return gradually after the international break.

Brazilian winger Rafinha was not included in Brazil’s current squad, a decision taken by coach Carlo Ancelotti, intended to give him more time to recover fully at Barcelona.

Within the dressing room, Rafinha is described as a positive, balancing presence, and his potential early return could provide a much-needed boost on the right flank.

Rafinha has featured in seven matches this season, scoring three goals with two assists before his setback, highlighting what Barça has missed during his absence.

The club’s medical and conditioning team, led by Julio Tous, has launched a comprehensive physical rehabilitation plan, increasing gym hours, tailoring programs for each player, and consulting external specialists to monitor fitness and recovery indicators.

Barça remains hopeful the new plan will stabilize the squad and protect the team’s performance across domestic and European competitions, even as injuries test the squad’s depth and the coaching staff’s plans.

As Flick reiterates his commitment to the club’s project, the main challenge now is restoring full match fitness and harmony within the squad to prevent injuries from becoming a decisive obstacle in Barça’s ambitions.

Barça, which started the season with promise, now faces a stern test to maintain both technique and physical sharpness as the season reaches its pivotal stages, with Flick’s long-term blueprint still the guiding star of their campaign.