Flick open to signing a striker after talks with Deco this week

Hansi Flick faced the press after Barcelona's emphatic win over Elche and touched on several storylines beyond the scoreline. The German coach expressed satisfaction with his side's defensive solidity and attacking efficiency, though he made clear there are still aspects of the team's play that need refining ahead of upcoming fixtures. He also used the press conference to address two sensitive dressing-room matters: the immediate future of Alejandro Balde and the physical condition of Gavi, who had to leave the pitch before halftime with knee discomfort.

• Barcelona secured a resounding win while keeping a clean sheet.
• Flick confirms he will speak with Deco about the possibility of signing a striker.
• Gavi will undergo an MRI after feeling discomfort in his knee.
• The coach plans a conversation with Balde on Monday to clarify his situation.
• Special praise for Raphinha and academy product Xavi Espart.

Flick's take on the win over Elche

The Barcelona boss emphasized ball control as the team's main tactical priority. For Flick, possession is not an end in itself but the tool that allows the side to dictate the pace of the game and reduce defensive risk. He was particularly pleased that his team finished the match without conceding while scoring five goals, a combination that isn't always easy to achieve even against lower-ranked opponents.

First, we needed to control the ball a bit more, and that's what I want from the team. We managed to keep a clean sheet and score five goals.

The German coach also praised the opponent, highlighting Elche's playing style under their current management, a team that has committed to an associative brand of football that, in Flick's words, is enjoyable to watch even in defeat.

A possible striker signing this window

One of the recurring debates surrounding this season's Barcelona squad is whether the club needs to reinforce the attack with a reference number nine. Flick did not rule out that possibility, though he also stopped short of confirming any deal in progress. The coach explained he will hold discussions with sporting director Deco throughout the week to assess what options exist in the market and whether the squad genuinely needs that reinforcement.

We'll talk after the match. I speak with Deco and we'll see what we can do. Let's see what happens next week.

Flick added that scoring five goals in a single match shows the team doesn't rely exclusively on a traditional center-forward, a factor that could influence the club's final decision in the transfer market.

Gavi's knee injury and the medical response

The image that raised the most concern among supporters was Gavi's early exit before halftime, visibly affected by knee discomfort. It's a particularly sensitive joint given the midfielder's recent history, having previously suffered a serious injury in the same area that kept him out for a long stretch. Flick tried to convey some calm, though he confirmed the player will undergo medical tests to rule out anything more serious.

It's the knee and we have to wait. He's better than expected after the moment of the injury. We'll do an MRI.

Balde's situation and the pending conversation

Flick was also asked about Alejandro Balde, hinting that he senses some unease in the full-back without going into specific details about its origin. The coach preferred not to rush a decision and explained he already had a chat with the player before the match, though the definitive conversation will take place in the coming days.

I haven't told him to leave. Something is going on with him, I can see it. I spoke with him this morning, and it's best he clears his mind; we'll talk tomorrow.

Praise for Raphinha and the emergence of Xavi Espart

Beyond the transfer speculation and injury concerns, Flick wanted to highlight the individual performances of two very different players. He underlined Raphinha's competitive mindset, holding him up as an example of professionalism within the squad due to his daily standards in training. He also celebrated the display of Xavi Espart, a La Masia product who has stepped up from the reserve side and was deployed at left-back, a position he rarely occupies.

I love seeing a La Masia player performing at a high level again. It doesn't matter if he plays right, left or in midfield: he's fantastic.

The German coach insisted that the quality shown in training sessions is what eventually translates into match performance, a philosophy he applies equally to established players and academy graduates.