FC Barcelona Boss Flick Speaks On Who Will Be 9 Versus Elche And Exits

BusinessSportsMoneyFC Barcelona Boss Flick Speaks On Who Will Be 9 Versus Elche And ExitsByTom Sanderson,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Tom Sanderson has been primarily based in Barcelona since 2019.Follow AuthorAug 22, 2026, 06:45am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.SummaryFC Barcelona coach Hansi Flick previewed the La Liga opener against Elche, addressing the striker situation after Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski's departures. While tight-lipped about his starting number nine, Flick praised teenage sensation Hamza Abdelkarim for his impressive preseason goals and potential, hinting at a "surprise." He emphasized the squad's increased quality and healthy competition among new signings, stating he isn't concerned about lost goals. Regarding new arrivals, Rodri is ruled out for Sunday's match, training individually, but Joao Cancelo is deemed ready and could feature against Elche, with Flick highlighting his fantastic technique and offensive prowess.Show More FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has spoken about who will play as his 9 against Elche on Sunday, as well as his plans for new signing Rodri.FC BarcelonaFC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has spoken about who will play as his 9 against Elche on Sunday, as well as his plans for new signing Rodri at a prematch press conference to preview the Catalans’ La Liga season opener.With Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski both leaving the club, Flick is without a seasoned 9 as things stand.Egypt World Cup star Hamza Abdelkarim has impressed with a string of goals in preseason, however, including one against his former club Al-Ahly in the Joan Gamper Trophy match won by Barca 2-1 on Wednesday.The pursuit of Julian Alvarez or another striker continues in the meantime, with the transfer window closing on in just over a week.As Flick has to m...