Lamine Yamal
I'm thrilled with his development. He's making enormous progress, but the most important thing is for a talent of his calibre to continue enjoying football, and that's exactly what he's doing. Our objective is to support him in this continuous growth journey; he's incredibly focused, as his latest performances demonstrate. He's finding the net with greater frequency, which is a positive aspect for both him and the team. He still has immense potential to unlock.

Do you envision working with a different sporting director than Deco?
Regarding the second question, I can't even contemplate a different scenario: this is the reality, and I am absolutely delighted with it. There is complete mutual trust between us; we firmly believe in each other, and that is an extremely positive aspect. We share the same philosophy and target the same player profiles, which enables us to work in perfect synergy. We are focused on our objectives; I have never experienced such a symbiosis with a sporting director before.

Fermin
The work done at La Masia is simply extraordinary. All the staff firmly believe in the quality of our youth academy. We see it daily when young players join the first team: they possess an excellent technical foundation and, despite having ample room for improvement, their level satisfies me greatly. Fermin's contract renewal is the best solution for the club: he is a product of La Masia and deeply loves these colours. He possesses an uncommon talent and is performing at his best. Securing him was a fantastic decision for the club's future.

Raphinha
We need to be patient. The situation is clear: he will only be available when he feels 100%, can train with the group, and receives final clearance from the medical staff. We will not rush his return. This is the path forward: stay calm and proceed one step at a time.

Pedri
We will see him back on the pitch very soon; everything is proceeding according to plan. I cannot yet set an exact date for his return, but progress is constant and encouraging.

Does FC Barcelona need to be more clinical in front of goal?
It would all be simpler if we could convert every chance, but I am extremely satisfied with our identity and the football we are playing. However, we need to be more focused on finishing; it's an aspect we must insist on. The team is in good form, but tomorrow we will face a Mallorca side coming off a clear 4-1 victory and who can rely on Muriqi, with 14 goals this season. He is a formidable striker whom we will need to pay maximum attention to.

Frenkie de Jong
His performance depends a lot on his attitude. Frenkie has shown he can excel in midfield as both a '6' and an '8'. On the ball, he is formidable, an essential element for our play. Furthermore, he has grown significantly in terms of leadership: he has reached the right age to take on certain responsibilities. I see him happy here in Barcelona; he loves the city and the club, and he is experiencing an excellent run of form, in line with the rest of the squad. Having a Frenkie at this level is vital for us.

Flick and his relationship with the players
More than a coach, I almost feel like a grandfather to them. The priority is to put them in a position to perform at their best; after all, in any work environment or company, when the atmosphere is serene, results come, and motivation grows. This is a pillar of my philosophy. I seek constant dialogue; I want to be close to my lads and I immensely appreciate their commitment. In six days, we faced three close challenges, and their concentration was impeccable, giving their all for this shirt. For me, the human aspect counts as much as the technical: mutual respect is the foundation of every success. We are all on the same level; no one is superior to others, and this harmony allows every player to give 100%.

Lewandowski
We have discussed his current situation. The season is still long; he needs to continue enjoying being on the pitch; for the future, we will see. His contribution is invaluable. I know he would like to play more and more, start and stay on the field for 90 minutes in important matches, but energy needs to be managed. He is in excellent condition, mentally too, and I want him to maintain this enthusiasm. I know how much he enjoys playing for FC Barcelona. At the end of the season, we will make the necessary evaluations; this is not the time to talk about it. We all know what can happen, but it's not something that worries me now.

What has Lamine Yamal improved in?
I hope he continues on this path. Growth must be gradual, day by day. What I appreciate most is his dedication: he trains with the mentality of a superstar. He is an intelligent lad, capable of reading game situations with great astuteness. He knows well that to shine on the weekend, you have to give your all during the week. He has crystal-clear talent, and we have a duty to protect and guide him.

Ronald Araujo
When you see him play, his physical superiority is evident: he is an extraordinary defender. He is fast, dominant in one-on-one situations, and unbeatable in duels. He is one of our captains, a true leader within the dressing room. I ask him to continue this way, working hard as our philosophy demands. His mentality is iron-clad; he has grown immensely, and we will continue to work to ensure he integrates further into our system of play.

Jan Virgili
I can only comment on what I see on the pitch: he is having an excellent season at Mallorca. He is a player who grew up at La Masia and is now finding his place elsewhere. He has already gained good experience in Primera Division, and I am genuinely happy for him.

Raphinha

Achievements