Hansi Flick on the Start: Barcelona's Level is Higher Than Last Season

La Liga champions Barcelona, winners of the last two seasons, kick off their new campaign with an away fixture against Elche on Sunday evening. The team's opening match was postponed, meaning they, much like Real Madrid, are only now beginning their league battles. The Catalans have been active in the transfer market this summer but are still struggling to secure Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid. Here's what head coach Hansi Flick had to say on this and other topics.

On the upcoming match
There are no excuses. This is the first game; we need to win it and start strong. It won't be easy; Elche knows how to play with the ball, they move it quickly and maintain control. We'll need to perform at 100% of our capabilities. I believe everyone must give their maximum, nothing less.

The absence of a new No. 9 and the situation with Julian Alvarez
I'm not concerned that a new No. 9 hasn't arrived yet. I don't like to discuss players (Julian Alvarez) from other teams. Deco and I talk every day. Everything is about the team and the club. Only Deco, myself, and a few others know exactly what we want. Deco is doing a fantastic job.

No. 9 options against Elche
We have many options. Of course, I know who will play. Perhaps there will be a surprise tomorrow.

Hamza as No. 9 against Elche and Julian
Regarding Julian, as I said, I don't talk about other teams' players. As for Hamza, he's had a very good pre-season. He's a pure center-forward, a young player with great potential, and he scores goals. He's done a fantastic job.

Without Rashford, Ferran, and Lewandowski
There have been many changes, but sometimes it's very good to change things in the dressing room because it makes everyone aware of the situation. We've brought in top-level players, and the quality is higher. Ultimately, it's a competition, and everyone is fighting to play. This makes the players stronger, pushes them to improve, and the team grows. That's how you win titles. It's a privilege to be able to train with such immense quality every day. I told the players that the quality is great, but tomorrow is when it truly begins. We need to start well and with a win.

Rodri
Our plan is for him to join the squad on Monday. I'm happy he's here – he's a fantastic player, a leader, and has a great character.

Real Madrid
Are we playing Real Madrid tomorrow? Please, ask me about Elche.

Outgoing transfers
There might be changes, and we'll have to wait until the very end of the transfer window.

Cancelo
Yes, he can play tomorrow. He's ready to play, and in my opinion, he possesses fantastic technique. He's a footballer with a lot of passion, and last season he gave us a lot. Offensively, he provided us with more options and helped us win La Liga.

Balde
This is a difficult question because he possesses immense quality, and it's important to know if a player is convinced they can fight for their position. That's what I want to see from all my players. Every day I see what they do, their level, and if they show me they are at the required level to play. Ultimately, we have to play as a team – only then will we have success. I need everyone to be at one hundred percent.