Will treble-chasing Barca keep Flick?

Summary

The Athletic FC Podcast Summary: "Will Treble-Chasing Barca Keep Flick?"

Release Date: April 16, 2025
Host: Ayo Akimolere
Guests: Paul Belous (Barcelona Correspondent), Tom Harris

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1. Barcelona's Champions League Journey and Recent Performance

Ayo Akimolere opens the discussion by highlighting Barcelona's progression to the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2019, aiming for a historic treble this season. The recent second-leg quarterfinal match against Dortmund saw Barcelona holding a significant lead but ultimately nearly conceding defeat, raising questions about the team's defensive solidity.

Paul Belous provides context, noting that Barcelona's defense has generally been strong, conceding only nine times in 41 Champions League and La Liga games. However, the match against Dortmund was an outlier, with the team conceding as many expected goals in that single game as in the previous five combined ([01:37]).

Notable Quote:
Paul Belous at [02:31]: “Barcelona have not been in the Champions League semi-final for six seasons... So there's been a lot of trauma in there.”

2. Hansi Flick's Tactical Influence and Coaching Style

The podcast delves into Hansi Flick's impact on Barcelona's playing style. Flick has instilled a high defensive line and an aggressive, attacking mindset, which, while exciting, carries inherent risks. The absence of key players like Pedri and Inho Martinez in the Dortmund game exposed vulnerabilities, particularly in defense.

Ayo Akimolere emphasizes Flick's emphasis on bravery and attacking play, acknowledging that while this approach can lead to defensive lapses, it aligns with Barcelona's aspirations for a treble.

Notable Quote:
Ayo Akimolere at [03:00]: “They want to try to be brave, they want to try to be attacking. But that has a price to pay.”

3. Player Performances and Key Contributors

Pedri is lauded as the season's standout player, orchestrating Barcelona's tempo and maintaining team momentum. His occasional rest, due to fixture congestion, has been a double-edged sword, providing necessary breaks but also exposing the team's defensive fragilities when he's absent.

Raphinha's transformation under Flick is another focal point. Initially considered a peripheral figure, Flick repositioned Raphinha into a more central role, enhancing his explosiveness and ability to make high-intensity runs, contributing significantly to Barcelona's goal-scoring prowess.

Lewandowski's reintegration into the team dynamics, supported by Raphinha's movement, has revitalized Barcelona's attacking options, making them one of the highest-scoring teams in Europe this season.

Notable Quote:
Paul Belous at [11:46]: “If you look at Marcelo Bielsa when he worked with Raphinha at Leeds... Raphinha is so far up in the top right-hand corner...”

4. Managerial Stability: Hansi Flick's Contract and Future

The discussion shifts to Hansi Flick's contract, which is set to expire at the end of the next season. Flick expresses a preference for short-term extensions, stating his desire to assess the situation annually rather than committing to a long-term deal immediately after achieving success.

Ayo Akimolere references Flick's remarks about his future, highlighting his methodical approach to contract negotiations and his focus on delivering results.

Notable Quote:
Ayo Akimolere at [24:07]: “My plan is to do one year, then we speak and see where we are and go like that, step by step.”

Paul Belous interprets Flick's stance as a testament to his grounded and pragmatic character, suggesting that Flick is content with the current success and open to reassessing his position based on future performances.

5. Club Dynamics and Player Relations

The podcast touches upon the harmonious environment Flick has fostered within the squad. Players appreciate his honest and straightforward communication, contrasting with the often tumultuous atmosphere of football clubs. This positive locker room culture is credited with bolstering team morale and performance.

Notable Quote:
Ayo Akimolere at [15:11]: “He's a no-nonsense guy... having this guy who goes straight forward and tells you the truth as it is, it's just refreshing for players as well.”

6. Stadium Renovations and Their Impact

A significant portion of the conversation addresses the ongoing renovations of Camp Nou. Currently a construction site, the stadium is slated to reopen in September with reduced capacity. Barcelona plans to request La Liga to play initial home games away to accommodate the construction timeline.

Ayo Akimolere raises concerns about how the lack of a full-capacity home stadium might affect team performance and fan engagement, especially as the team is performing exceptionally well away from home.

Notable Quote:
Ayo Akimolere at [33:49]: “They are playing some of their best football at this moment in time, not at their actual stadium.”

7. Financial Strategies and Transfer Prospects

The club's financial maneuvering is scrutinized, particularly the sale of VIP seating shares in the new Camp Nou to Middle Eastern companies. This strategy aims to register high-profile players like Dani Olmo and Pau Victor while staying within La Liga's financial regulations.

Paul Belous explains that the funds from these sales are contingent on the completion and auditing of the stadium renovations, which, if successful, could provide Barcelona with the financial flexibility needed for the summer transfer window.

Ayo Akimolere discusses potential targets and the need to balance reinforcements with outgoing players, such as the possible departure of Ronald Araujo, to maintain financial and squad stability.

Notable Quote:
Paul Belous at [34:48]: “Barcelona are free to the semi-final of the Champions League... with Hansi Flick and a young, talented squad.”

8. Rising Stars and Emerging Talent

The emergence of young talents like Gavi is highlighted, despite facing challenges such as recovering from ACL injuries and inconsistent playing time. Gavi's outspoken nature and belief in the team's playing style reflect a confident and resilient mindset that is emblematic of Barcelona's current squad.

Notable Quote:
Gavi at [22:15]: “People who criticize the style of play don't have a effing clue.”

9. Conclusion: Treble Ambitions and Managerial Commitment

The episode wraps up with optimism about Barcelona's chances of securing a treble, contingent on maintaining their high-performance levels and effective squad management. Flick's dedication to the club and his strategic foresight are seen as pivotal factors in achieving this monumental success.

Ayo Akimolere reiterates the collective trust in Flick and the team's ability to overcome challenges, emphasizing the unique synergy between the manager and the players.

Notable Quote:
Ayo Akimolere at [36:44]: “They are a team that excites fans... candidates to be excited for this last month of the season.”

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Key Takeaways

• Hansi Flick's Impact: Transformed Barcelona's playing style with an aggressive, attacking approach, enhancing player performances and aiming for a historic treble.

• Player Development: Pedri and Raphinha have become central figures, driving the team's tempo and attacking prowess. Lewandowski's role has been revitalized under Flick's management.

• Managerial Stability: Flick prefers short-term contract extensions, focusing on current performance and remaining open to future adjustments based on team success.

• Stadium Renovations: Ongoing Camp Nou renovations present logistical challenges but are crucial for Barcelona's long-term infrastructure and financial health.

• Financial Strategies: Innovative financial moves, such as selling VIP seating shares, aim to bolster the club's budget for future transfers while adhering to league regulations.

• Emerging Talent: Young players like Gavi exhibit resilience and confidence, contributing to the team's dynamic and forward-thinking culture.

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This episode of The Athletic FC Podcast offers an in-depth analysis of Barcelona's current season, exploring the intricate balance between tactical innovation, player development, financial strategy, and managerial leadership that underpins the team's ambitious treble chase.

Transcript

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[Athletic FC Podcast Host]

The Athletic FC Podcast Network.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Welcome to the Athletic FC Podcast with me, Ayo Akimolere through to the semi finals of the Champions League. Barcelona are on course for a treble this season. Barcelona are beaten for the first time.

[Paul Belous]

This calendar year when they reach the Champions League semi finals for the first time since 2019.

[Ayo Akimolere]

So how has Hansi Flick imprinted his style on this team? And will he stay at Barca in the long term? And with us today we have the Athletics Barcelona correspondent Paul Belous. And Tom Harris is with us as well. Right, gents, let's get into it. Barcelona came into the second leg of their Champions League quarterfinals tie against Dortmund with a big lead last night, but almost blew it. Paul, dare I say it now? You were there, you know. It got a bit messy, didn't it? Because big lead but Barca looks shaky, especially in defence.

[Athletic FC Podcast Host]

Absolutely, absolutely. I mean, I wouldn't say that Barca had that risk at some point because of course they had to score five goals. If Dortmund had been a bit More lucky they could have done it. But in a way that's the risk that Hans efl Barcelona want to take. They want to play with this defensive high line. They want to try to be brave, they want to try to be attacking. But that has a price to pay. And if the team is not well assembled, you can see those sort of teams making you some pain. I think that the fact that key players such as Pedri and Inho Martinez were rested had a huge impact in that game because Barcelona, with the high defensive line that they have, yeah, they need those two centre backs, they need Dinho Martinez and Paco Barci. Ronald Laraujo has not been up to his level playing in this new system. He struggles with the ball, without the ball. He possibly doesn't have the tactical mentality and the complexity that that this system has for all the center backs. And then Pedri in midfield, in my opinion, he's been the best player of the season. I mean, we've talked a lot about Raphinha, about Lamina and on the attacking end they are brilliant and they make the difference. But if you want to know how Barca play, if you want to test the waters with Barca, it's Pedri, It's Pedri who sets the tempo, it's Pedri who keeps the team in motion. And they tried to rest him last night because of course they had the four near lit and it was worth it just to give him a breather. But yeah, Hans Flick, when he saw how things were going, he just told Petty, look, go and warm up in the second place. Yeah, and just came in mate. But yeah, at the end of the day, I don't know if it's a concerning defeat, but it's something that Barcelona can deal with in the near future for sure.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Yeah, Tom, I mean for the neutral another spellbinding, you know, quarterfinal tie. You know, the one PSG Villa was juicy. This one was another one. I guess what's really fascinating looking at both teams actually, weirdly, is that even with P G and Barca and how dominant they've been this season, I guess there are some defensive frailties there and, and it was clear to see here, even though they did have missing personnel.

[Paul Belous]

Yeah, I guess so. I mean, yesterday I, I was stressed was an outlier in terms of how Barcelona have defended generally this season. I mean, if you look at the quality of chances they conceded yesterday according to their expected goals was as many as in their five previous games combined. Three times above their season average. And it Was actually only the ninth time this season out of 41 games in the Champions League and, and La Liga that they a game unexpected goals. So I think that tells us that, you know, while it was a little bit concerning yesterday, seeing how often Dortmund were playing through them, generally their defense has been good enough, given how powerful they are, they are going forward. And yeah, as Paul said, it was a bit of a shock to the system. But I also think, you know, as you just mentioned at Villa park, it can happen at the business end of the Champions League, you know, especially when you come up against really high quality destructive players like. Like yesterday, fired up by the crowd, the occasion. Barcelona were 4, 0 up, had that cushion anyway. They also played seven games in the last 20 days in three different competitions. You know, this kind of thing is allowed to happen. But I think, you know, looking forward, the more concerning thing is, is when the attack doesn't click. Because when the attack doesn't click, it means that, for example, Pau Gabasi, Inigo Martinez, Alejandro Balde, they have to then take the risk to get the ball moving through the defensive, you know, from the defensive third into the middle. Then that's when the space opens up and then that's when they can be frustrated. We saw Leganes and Las Palmas earlier in the season. They were frustrated. Barcelona's back four had to take risks and it exploited. And I think if you're coming up against a team like Inter Milan, for example, in the next round, you need to avoid that because they are so good at making the game uncomfortable and that's when things get a little bit worrying. But yeah, I think if your handsy Flick, you're writing this game off yesterday as a bit of a freak result and you're not ripping up scripts, you're just hoping that against Inter Milan, the risk that you take pay off and you get that first goal and you go ahead like they did in this time.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Yeah. What was the reaction from Hansiflick, Paul? You know, 24, game on, beat and run across all competitions up until obviously yesterday's match. What did the players say after as well? Was it. Was it a shock or was it just business as usual? You know, these things kind of happen.

[Athletic FC Podcast Host]

No, no, I mean, actually Flick wanted to uplift a bit his squad because his squad was really down, was really sad after the game. I think it was Jules Kunde who spoke after the game and said that, being brutally honest, he was disappointed with the game, that it was not up to their best. But in the end of the day, And Flick said that on the press conference when he came at the. At the signal, Iduna park. When he arrives to the dressing room, he saw a group of sad players. And you have to remember that Barcelona have not been in the Champions League semi final for six seasons. That's a lot for Barcelona. And in those six seasons, Barcelona have been kicked out of the Champions League at the group stage. They've, like, suffered Europa League humiliations. They've been afflicted eight goals by Flicks Bayern Munich. So there's been a lot of trauma in there. And just being in the Champions League semi final is something that Flick wanted his players to celebrate. That's not a random thing to do that requires a lot of effort, a lot of good mentality inside the team. So we had a bad game, that's fine. But now it's time to celebrate. Be sure that you celebrate that you cherish this moment, that you embrace everything that we have done so far. And he said, from tomorrow, we're going to rewatch this game. There's a lot of things that we can do better and we're going to try to do them better. But now we have to make sure that this club celebrates because that has not happened in recent years in Barcelona. And I think that fans are on board of that thought as well. I think it was over 3,000 fans in the stand from Barcelona, which is the biggest move from Barca fans abroad this season. And the mood inside around all the. All the fan base is really, yeah, we trust this project, we trust this man, Francis Flick, we trust this team. And despite the performance wasn't good enough. Parsa fans are just relishing and they just want to celebrate and just want to love the moment that they are living.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Yeah, I mean, look, you're usually the bearer of bad news, Paul, so it's quite nice to see you smiling. But also, you know, later on we'll talk about some key players and also that contract with Hansei Flick as well. But, you know, with seven games to go, Barca are currently four points at the top of La Liga Copa del Rey final versus Real Madrid and into the Champions League semi final that you know that the treble is on the cards, but, you know, how good is this Barca team from where you've been sitting? How fantastic how they as a cohesive.

[Athletic FC Podcast Host]

Unit, Barca have been outstanding. Barca are in dreamland compared to what they expected to be last summer when Hans E. Flick signed for the club. I don't think that anyone could envisage this sort of success and this sort of implementing his idea of how to play football that quick. And this team, as much as they are not faultless and sometimes they can be too much daring, they are a team that excites fans that if you go to a stadium, you're going to have fun watching that team. And that's something that fans really wanted to see. They have been struggling over the last, I was about to say past couple of seasons with Xavi, but it goes beyond that and just the fact that this team, they don't think too much about consequences. They are a young core of players that possibly they don't have in their minds all the failure from the past because they didn't even witness it sometimes, or they didn't. They weren't even conscious the like of Lamin Jamal or the likes of Paul Kubarci. I can remember that, like in the past few weeks they have been asked, what do you remember about the Guardiola season or about the travel with Luis Enrique? And they were like, I don't remember it. I wasn't old enough to remember it. So they are free of charge in their minds. And that gives this team like a fresh. Some fresh air that fans are enjoying a lot. I think that they are in a strong position in La Liga to win the title. In my opinion, they are the favorites. They have been the best team in La Liga so far for the way that they have played. Real Madrid have struggled a bit, but we know that it's Real Madrid and they don't need to play well just to succeed. So that's the thing that all the Barca fans have in mind as well. But if you look back at all the historical seasons at Barcelona, when they have won the Champions League, they have win trebles or something like this. Historically, Barcelona have needed to be the best team in the competition to win it. Barcelona have not win a Champions League if they weren't the best team. Barcelona have hardly win a league title if they weren't the best team. And this team, as much as possibly we can argue that there has not been a great team in Europe this season, or one a standout team in Europe this season. I think that this Barca team has been amongst the best in every competition that that they've been in. And that's what makes them candidates to be excited for this last month of the season, that they have the chance to win every title that they win.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Yeah, I mean, look, I've kept my eye on La Liga, Tom, and they've been explosive. You know, from Rafinha to Eminemal to Lewandowski as well. You know, amongst teams to play 10 plus games in European cup or Champions League campaigns, Barcelona's goals per game ratio this season is the second best. The only site to average more was Bayern Munich actually in the 2019, 2020 season, 3.9. Who also funnily managed by Hanse Flick. Now this is pure attacking football at its best. Is it about personnel or is it more about Flick system in general?

[Paul Belous]

I think a bit of both, obviously is a cliche answer there, but Flick's system, I think has been really important into getting the best out of the players. You know, Raphinha, I think we'll talk about him a bit later on. But he has found this new role in a more central position which has allowed him to use his kind of physical condition to get in behind more, to drop deep. I mean, Yamal has really flourished in this, in this system as well. Because what Flick likes to do is when, you know, the three centre backs are building up with the ball at their feet, they'll have Alejandro Balde going down the left, you'll have Raphinha coming into the middle. And that means that a lot of players for the opposition to deal with. In the centre of the part, you've got Pedri Casador, Gavi Frenkie De Jong, Raphinha, Lewandowski dropping in. It means that the whole opposition team has to shift over and it just gives Yamal so much space on the opposite side. Then you've got someone like Inigo Martinez who's very good at switching the ball over to Yamal. So Yamal receives the ball in a lot of space. There are just a lot of different things going on in this system. That means that, yeah, you get the best out of Yamal, you get the best out of Raphinha. You've brought Lewandowski back into this team as well, because last season he was quite isolated at the top of the team. Now you've got Raphinha buzzing around him, making those runs off the shoulder, you know, interacting with him more, adding that kind of, you know, we'll talk about Hansi Flick and his intensity and ruthlessness as well. That has helped. But I think tactically he's fine tuned this team and added a little bit of intensity and yeah, got the best out of the key players.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Yeah, Paula. The football gods beckoning Hansi Flick versus Luis Enrique's PSG together. Because you look at the style of both teams, I mean, look at the forward lines as well and how well, they're functioning also. A team looking like potentially could win a treble. Are the football gods going to bring them together?

[Athletic FC Podcast Host]

Maybe. Maybe. Some people are also questioning if the football gods can bring a final with Barcelona and Real Madrid. I'm not sure if I want to see that because as well as.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Yeah, Copa del Rey final.

[Athletic FC Podcast Host]

I'm not sure because that would be like the end of the ball here in Spain. I don't want to see that. Yeah, yeah, yeah. But no, I mean if you, if you like ask me for two standout teams this season in the way they played and the excitement that they bring in their games, that's psg. And Barcelona at this point of the season, I would praise as well Flick's man management. He's been really, really good. Besides tactics, the way that he has dealt with players that he's been able to give Rafinha Ingo Martinez players that I'm not going to say that they were fringe players in the previous seasons, but yeah, some moments here and he's given them the platform just to shine just right. You're going to be important. You're going to be my man here. You're going to do that, that, that and this and you're going to be good at this. And they've just embraced it. They've just taken the opportunity just to bring their game to the next level. The same can be said with Pedri, a player that was lost with injury nightmares last season. And Flick has been able to boost him to find his best physical condition and everything. So I think that the man management has been really good as well. And when you speak to players and to people in that dressing room, they highlight how honest, how straightforward Flick has been. He's a no nonsense guy. If, if you have to be on the bench, he's going to be honest and he's going to tell you why. And that's something that Barca players have been appreciating because they live in a club where lies and noise and rumors are and gossip are just all around the place. And just having this guy who goes straight forward and tells you the truth as it is, it's just refreshing for players as well.

[Paul Belous]

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[Ayo Akimolere]

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[Paul Belous]

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[Ayo Akimolere]

Now. Tom, you've written a brilliant piece on Rafinha as we're talking about individuals, you know, serious Ballon d'or, contender, you know, tally this season 28 goals and 20 assists in all competition. June 23for Rafinha completed 90 minutes in just six occasions in all season. What have you put this transformation down to? Is it Hansi Flick? Because if we look at him last season, you know, there was a conversation about whether or not this player was even going to be in the Barcelona squad this season at all.

[Paul Belous]

Yeah, absolutely. It's, it's the positional change. I think he was much more of a kind of touchline hugging winger in his first couple of seasons at Barcelona. He was even moved over to the left hand side to accommodate for Lamina Mal. So his output was affected there as well. But I think if you look at Marcelo Bielsa when he worked with Raphinha at Leeds, there was a quote he said, he praised his explosiveness, his speed, his repetitions, his quick physical responses, his ability to sustain that effort and have the talent that he does with the ball at his feet. It's the ultimate seal of approval from someone like Bielsa when it comes to comments on your physical condition. But it's a really rare blend of skills which I think Flick has identified. Yeah, moved him into a more central role where he can affect the game a lot more in that piece. I've been showing people this scatter plot all season because it's amazing. It's basically just skill corner data. They've given us the number of high intensity runs players have made across the top five leagues this season. So those are sprints of over 20 kilometers an hour compared with runs in behind the defensive line. And Raphinha is so far up in the top right hand corner, it's like how Messi to be on basically every single one of these that you ever used to see. So it just points to what Bielsa says there. You know, he's able to repeat that intensity. He's able to keep going and going in a way that no one else can really keep up with in the top five leads in Europe. But he's also, you know, that desire to get in behind, to get on the end of those passes, to get into those one on one situations, you know, it's more than Mbappe, it's more than Ollie Watkins, it's more than these players who are renowned for getting it behind. Raphinha's doing it even more. So to combine those two things. And yeah, it was always going to be good. And if you're around a player like Robert Lewandowski close to goal, then you sure kind of get chances.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Yeah. And we need to talk about Wojciech Szczny, a player who not too long ago was probably sunning it up with his family on the beach, you know, enjoying his retirement. I'm gonna ask you, Paul, and then please, Tom, come in after. But like, you know, this is quite an inspired signing. We talk about the unbeaten run Barcelona have had. I mean, he's been pivotal to that. But I will also say, Paul, he's made a few mistakes along the way. We saw yesterday gave away a penalty. His first few games for Barca were quite shaky, but he seems to have found some really good form.

[Athletic FC Podcast Host]

Yeah, I mean, there's an upside and a downside on Chesney, of course. I mean, he came from retirement, which is not ideal when you sign a player. He spoke before the game and like he said that when he rejoined Barcelona, he saw himself more as a golfer than a footballer because he was playing more golf than football and he was not in shape. He had to be back on track and just to work a lot, just to get in this position, to challenge for the starting position. And of course he's not the ideal goalkeeper. He has his. But in shot stopping, he's still really good in terms of providing a leadership. He's still really good in a really young team with a really young core. He's this sort of calm personality. He's been through it all, in a way. Yeah. He doesn't have anything to lose. He just plays because he likes it. And he's been a great addition to this personal team because he knows his role, he knows his limits. He's been willing as well to accept new things to do underhansively because he's been playing sort of a sweeping goalkeeper in some occasions as well, which is something that he's never done in his life. He's been humble enough to just experience that. And I think that he's going to stay next season.

[Ayo Akimolere]

You reckon? Is there a contract on the line? I read something about an extra year extension, but I wasn't sure if that was true.

[Athletic FC Podcast Host]

There's, like, talks in the background. Chesney was asked about that before the game and he didn't want to speak about that because he said, look, I just want a full focus on the games. There's a chance that my agent and the club are already speaking for an extension, but I don't want to hear anything about it because I only want to think about games and they're going to sort it out. But what we know is that Chesney is really happy in Barcelona. He loves lives inside and outside the club. He's really good mates, of course, with Lewandowski, who basically made the call to bring him in as soon as Thursday and got injured. And the fact that he started playing basically put Inaki Pena's position a bit in danger. He's not really happy at the club because he's not playing. So possibly the most likely scenario is that Inaki Pena gets sold and Chesney just stays for four of the season as a backup goalkeeper with Terestega in the team because he's up for the role. He's a good influence in the dressing room. All the players want him to stay because he's a lovely character. There's been some bumps in the road and some mistakes, but I think that their staying has been a really positive acquisition for Barcelona and a really loved character among the fan base because of his outspoken personality.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Yeah. I mean, just imagine thinking you're retiring and then Barcelona give you a call, Tom. And then all of a sudden you're already enjoying retirement because you've had a great career. You're looking at a point where you're potentially going to be picking up a treble in a season you never saw happening. But also you leave the stadium and there you are, this wonderful city with a beach. I mean, it's like Retirement plus two, really, isn't it? It's like a soft retirement.

[Athletic FC Podcast Host]

Yeah, yeah. No, no. He was asked about the moment, if he remembered the moment when Barcelona called him to join, when Deco called him, like, look, they're not joining. And he said, yeah, yeah, I was actually playing golf with my kid. I was playing golf. And like, if I'm honest, it's not the mom when you expect Barcelona to make you an offer when you're playing golf, but that's how life is with me and I'm happy I took it and I'm living a happy life now.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Yeah, it's decent, man. I'll take it any day. Right. Talk about outspoken as well, Paul. Last week, midfielder Gavi said people who criticize the style of play don't have a effing clue. Please. I love this. I love this kind of chat and I love players that say it with their chest. But the reality is this looks like a team, if you take that, that, that quote itself, like a team that backs itself. These are young players who feel like they can be achieving something this season.

[Athletic FC Podcast Host]

This, this just tells you a lot about the personality that Gavi has. He's a player that. He's a bit of an old school player with his mentality and how he approached the game and he doesn't care much about what's being said around and all this thing. It's true that possibly it's not the best season of Gavi, but he comes from an ACL injury. There's always going to be a process throughout all this and I think that he knows the talent that he has. I mean, he broke into the scene when he was 17, he went to the national team, he played as a number 10 for Spain. So the talent is there, the conditions aren't there. And I think that the fact that he's being surrounded by, as you were saying, with this Jon core, with this group of players, at the end of the day, they are players that he knows really well because he played with them throughout all those years in La Masia. It just pushes every youngster in Barcelona just to want to stay there and just to know that they will be able to flourish at some point and that they will have the chance. I know that Gavi is aware that he's not having an easy season because he doesn't have the continuity he wants to play week in, week out. And he's not a happy man when he's on the bench. But he has understood his role, that he comes from an injury and he has to Understand that there's other players who deserve that chance. But yeah, he has high hopes in himself and I don't blame him because the skill set that Gavi has, despite a lot of of criticism, will come now after the Dortmund game because he was not Pedri and he's not at those levels. But the skill set that he has is so unique that Barcelona cannot count him off ever, in my opinion.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Okay, very quickly, let's talk about Hansi Flicks's contract. Of course, his current deal runs out at the end of next season and you know, there's a piece we dropped on the Athletic and you know, there's a quote when he was asked about his future and he's saying, you know, I'm not a coach that wants to stay and sign a contract for let's say three years and stay here with everything sorted. My plan is to do one year, then we speak and see where we are and go like that, step by step. Paso a paso. No longer than that. In the end, I don't know how long it will take, but when I finish my job in this club, I want to do it on a good note. Now Paul, I mean no disrespect to my Spanish, maybe I got that wrong or right, but paso, El paso. I get what he's trying to say there. What do you think of his comments?

[Athletic FC Podcast Host]

I think it's great and those comments were really loved by all the Barcelona fans. Just to see how happy he is to be a Barcelona manager, how he's loving the life in the city and in the club. Last season, Xavi said when he was asked about an advice to the new manager coming in, Xavi said, I would say him that he will suffer in this job and Flick is doing the opposite. Flick is just enjoying every moment, every single bit. It's just a pleasure for him to be a Barclay manager and that's why everyone loves him. So basically what's going to happen here is that he's going to sign a one year extension. That's what has been admitted by his camp and people in the club as well say that this is his plan, this is going to be signed when the season is finished. He doesn't want to sign or do anything now because of course all the games that Barcelona have, he will sign a one year extension up until 2027 and then from there I guess that he will see where the team is and he will assess year by year what he can do. But yeah, the fact that he's a guy that wants to do the best for Barca, and he doesn't want to tie himself into the chair for the sake of it. It's really refreshing and exciting for all the Barca fans.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Yeah. Tom, this is interesting. And from a business standpoint, anyway, you know, we've often spoken about what's going on in the background at Barcelona. You look at the way previous coach Xavi, club legend was treated there. You can kind of understand when someone's like, you know what, Let me just see how things go.

[Paul Belous]

Right.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Let me focus on the. On the present right now. I need to know that stuff's going on in the background. And Paul, we'll talk about transfers later, but you know what I mean, it's quite a tumultuous environment. So actually let my work do the talking. And if anything, Tom, if he does what he does this season, it puts him in a better bargaining position anyway.

[Paul Belous]

Yeah, I mean, it kind of speaks to Hansi Flick's character. I think that he is just an incredibly grounded person. I mean, I remember after they beat Ray of I lead 7 nil earlier in the season, everyone was getting carried away and he was just like, no, we continue. You know, there was a picture of him on the touchline, just kind of glaring at the pitch after they scored the seventh. You know, that's just who he is. There's. There's a system there. You know, it's all about efficiency with Hansi Flick, and he's got his feet very much on the ground and he knows that, you know, if you look at, as you say, other managers at this club, things can change very quickly because you've got real Madrid chasing after you who can, you know, one minute, just. Just flip a whole script on its head, as we've discussed. So, yeah, I think it speaks to Hansi Flake, but I'd also say that. That, you know, this job is a desirable job when. When things go well. If you look at, obviously, the academy is just unbelievable. Pedri, Yamal Kubasi, you know, people forget there was Marc Bernal who came in at the start of the season as well, looked absolutely brilliant at the base of midfield. Casado is there. There's just so many different players coming through, so many different profiles, and it's a really exciting job. So, yeah, I think Flick will be happy to stay, as obviously, Paul's mentioned, but I think he is kind of, yeah, grounded enough to know when it' time to leave. So I think one more year, see how it goes next season and go from there.

[Athletic FC Podcast Host]

Although, like, the easier thing to do would be for him just to say, yeah, give me a three year deal, I'm gonna sign it. If you want to sack me, like in the near future, I'm gonna cash in a good salary. But he's not gonna do that.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Yeah, respect character again, right? Tom, I know you've got to go, but really appreciate your time, sir.

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[Ayo Akimolere]

50% Alco Bavo and Buzzballs LLC. Carrollton, Texas this is the Athletic FC podcast with IO Acemolara. Paul, let's talk drama and I'm going to let you enjoy yourself. We've spoken great players, we've spoken about the brand new coach. Let's. Let's get into the crisis chat. You know, look, Dani, Elmo, Paul Victor finally cleared to play and registered for the remainder of the season. But is this the last of it? Are we we going to see this again down the line and if anything we talk about Hansen Flick's contract negotiations. He wants to know he can actually have his players on the field.

[Athletic FC Podcast Host]

Yeah, yeah. No, I mean I think that, yeah, the Danielmo and Paw Victor thing, like despite all the turmoil and everything, Barcelona ended it like with a really positive note because right now Dani Olmo has his contract registered, fully registered until the very end of apparently, unless a last minute appeal happens from La Liga, which doesn't seem that will be happening because it was turned down last week by Spanish court. So yeah, it should be OK for Dani Olmanno to be honest. Also, Barcelona managed to extend Pedri's contract, extend Inigo Martinez's contract, extend Gavi's contract and registered them last January. So in that regard, Barcelona are fine. Right now the question is next summer we're going to be again in a position of salary limit. Barcelona spending more than they are allowed to buy La Liga, which player can they sign or most importantly, which player can they register? And we're going to be in that territory again. So it's going to be another game, another puzzle, another jigsaw to try to feed numbers in. But yeah, that's going to be a talk for the summer.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Okay, big one. And the stadium build is interesting as well. Our exec producer Adi just got back from Barcelona and he, you know, likes to pay a little pilgrimage to the camp now. It's still a bit of a building site. Is that on schedule? Is that going to happen anytime soon?

[Athletic FC Podcast Host]

That's actually I'm just writing a piece now that it's going to be live tomorrow.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Exclusive.

[Athletic FC Podcast Host]

Oh yeah, it's going to be live tomorrow morning. So Bas, the plan that the club has is to be back at the Camp Nou in September, which is at the start of next season. It's not going to be full capacity yet, it's going to be with reduced capacity. What this will involve is that of course there's games before September. And what Barcelona will try to do is to request La Liga to start the season playing away from home. So just basically to start the first three, four games playing away from home, just to make sure that they have these extra months just to keep working. Because Barcelona have been granted by the city council a new working license to their builders, basically that now can work 24 hours a day. So basically from Monday to Friday, there's 24 hour a day works in the Camp Nou just to make sure that they can make it to September just to return to the stadium, because no one in the club wants to go back to Monjuic, a stadium where they have to pay rent to be in. Plus they don't have the chance to go back next season because the city council has it booked for other stuff. So, yeah, that's the plan with the camp. Now a whole rebuilding process that is valid at 900 million if I'm not wrong.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Wow.

[Athletic FC Podcast Host]

Let's see how it goes. But if they are back in September, which is the best case scenario right now, this will be a 10 month delay from initial plans, which in a way when you speak to the club they say, well, this always happened in this sort of works, like massive works. But still it's been something that has been painful for the club.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Yeah, is. Is why I'm just thinking as we're talking, actually, if Barcelona win the treble this season, not at the camp, now that is a quite a strange occurrence, isn't it? Because, you know, you talk about how the fans weren't connected to the club and all that kind of stuff, but actually they're playing some of their best football at this moment in time, not at their actual stadium.

[Athletic FC Podcast Host]

Yeah, yeah. But I mean, at the same time you can see it from the other flip of the coin and say, if they play like that in Bonjour, what. What are they going to be able to do at the Camp Nou? The likes of Pau Barc has never played in the Camp Nou.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Yes, yes, yes.

[Athletic FC Podcast Host]

Lamin Diamal played one game at the camp. No. When he made his debut, he was 15, but he's not been there anymore. So, yeah, for this generation as well, it's going to be special just to return to the stadium. Although it's going to take some time still to be at full capacity. I think that the plans are to be at full capacity at June 2026.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Okay. Brilliant, brilliant. And finally, let's talk finances.

[Athletic FC Podcast Host]

Love it.

[Ayo Akimolere]

So we've got a stadium issue. Yeah, exactly, exactly. We're talking about registration of players. We've always spoken about, about leavers being pulled, especially with the summer coming up. It's a great academy, you've got some great talent coming through. But where might Barca be able to spend this summer if they can?

[Athletic FC Podcast Host]

So basically, the key of next summer, guess what, is another lever.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Okay, here we go. Come on, be kind, let's do it.

[Athletic FC Podcast Host]

I don't know if you heard about the BIP sitting lever.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Yeah, yeah, we spoke about that.

[Athletic FC Podcast Host]

So basically, Barcelona sold a share of the BIP sitting in the. The new Cam Nou, which of course are seats that are still not built. They basically sold them to a couple of Middle Eastern big companies in order to register Daniel Mo and Paul Victor. This lever, there's a lot of accounting and financial caveats in that, but the last chapter of the story is that this lever has not been counted in the budget by the outage of the club because the CJAR are still not there. So basically what Barcelona are doing now are trying to build this VIP seating as quick as possible and to make them present in the stadium as soon as possible. And as soon as they are built, they hope that the audit company is going to be able to count them in. So when they are counted in, this money that they cashed in can be like counted in La Liga's books. And the hope that the club has is that with this money they will be in a decent position to do business in summer. That's. That's the club's word. We know that sometimes what happens doesn't stick to what they brief, but I have to warn you, but that's how the things are at the minute. And in terms of transfer planning and signings and what that and, and what they plan to do. Of course there's the, there's an attack in reinforcement with, with Robert Lewandowski being 36 and Barcelona being in a position to find a successor in the mid term, long term for him. So that's something that they have have on the cards. They also have to see if they sell some players, possibly. Ronald Araujo has been one of the players that has been tipped to leave and if he leaves, possibly center back has to come in as well. But yeah, it's going to depend again on finances. If this lever that I was explaining to you, it can be all sorted which players want to leave, which offers they have on the table, I was about to use the word messy, but I'm going to say a fun situation in Barcelona. Transfer business.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Well, do you know what? At least you can bask in the groove that Barcelona are free to the semi final of the Champions League, at least for now. You know what a season Barca are having. Hanse Flick. And also that's such a young squad and such a talented squad as well. Anyway, all right, Paul, let's leave it there. And Tom, thank you so much for joining us as well. Thank you guys for listening. We're back tomorrow.

[Athletic FC Podcast Host]

The Athletic FC Podcast network.