Barcelona will not sign a competitor for Frenkie de Jong despite injuries

"For me, it's very important that we have a true defensive midfielder," Flick emphasized soon after taking up his new coaching role at Barcelona.

His tactical approach places significant emphasis on having at least one midfielder dedicated to defensive responsibilities, even in an otherwise attacking setup. This strategic necessity has been made more challenging by the current injury crisis within the team, with key players like Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, and Pedri all sidelined. The recent departure of Oriol Romeu, who provided depth in the defensive midfield role, has further complicated Flick’s task of balancing the team.

Despite these challenges, Barcelona is moving forward with plans to bolster their squad by adding Dani Olmo, an extra attacking midfielder known for his creativity and goal-scoring ability. This addition is expected to bring more firepower to Barcelona's attacking options. However, Flick has ruled out the possibility of signing an additional defensive midfielder. He made this clear during a press conference following Barcelona's friendly match against AC Milan, where the team faced a stern test without their usual midfield anchors.

"We have enough players in that position now," Flick stated, expressing confidence in the depth and quality of his current squad, despite the injury setbacks. "We have several injured midfielders with great quality. Once they return, we will become a better team." This statement reflects Flick's belief in the potential of his squad once it is back to full strength, even if it means weathering the current storm with a thinner roster in the midfield.

Flick also addressed the uncertainty surrounding the recovery timelines for De Jong, Gavi, and Pedri. He admitted that he could not give a precise indication of when these key players might return to action. This uncertainty leaves Barcelona in a precarious position as they navigate the early stages of the season, relying on the experience of Ilkay Gündogan and the promise of young talents like Marc Casado and Sergi Dominguez, who were given the chance to step up in the match against AC Milan.

In that match, Barcelona managed to secure a victory, largely thanks to the clinical finishing of Robert Lewandowski, who scored two goals. While the focus might have been on the midfield conundrum and potential new signings, Flick was keen to shift the spotlight to the Polish striker’s performance. "Today is not about Dani Olmo; it's about Robert Lewandowski," Flick remarked, downplaying the speculation around Olmo's arrival and instead highlighting Lewandowski's crucial role in the team.

The coach's comments suggest that while Barcelona is actively looking to reinforce certain areas, they are also confident in the abilities of their current roster to rise to the occasion. The club’s strategy appears to be one of cautious optimism, with an emphasis on getting the most out of the players they already have, while also adding the right pieces to the puzzle to enhance their overall competitiveness. As Flick continues to shape the team, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining how Barcelona copes with its midfield challenges and whether the integration of new signings like Dani Olmo will help to fill the void left by the injured stars.