Barcelona move to address defensive problems as Flick reveals talks with Deco.
German manager Hansi Flick has opened the door to the possibility of strengthening Barcelona’s defence during the upcoming winter transfer window, confirming that the club is already discussing the squad’s needs amid the defensive problems exposed by their recent defeats to Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
Flick made the comments during the press conference ahead of Barcelona’s meeting with Deportivo Alaves, as reports have increasingly linked the Catalan club with a move for a new centre-back in January to strengthen the options available to the coaching staff for the second half of the season.
The German coach revealed that he had discussed the possibility of improving the squad with sporting director Deco, Bojan Krkic and members of his coaching staff. He explained that the club is always looking for the best possible ways to improve the team. He also noted that there are still several weeks before the transfer window opens and that a new signing remains a possibility if the right conditions are in place.
Flick’s comments suggest that strengthening the defence has returned to Barcelona’s agenda. The coach had previously expressed confidence in the players available to him at the start of the season, but a series of injuries and absences, combined with mistakes in high-profile matches, have brought the possibility of signing another defender back into focus.
Flick did not limit his comments to the need for defensive reinforcements. He also addressed the reasons behind Barcelona’s defensive struggles against Real Madrid, stressing that defending is not solely the responsibility of the back line. Instead, every player must contribute, including forwards and midfielders.
The Barcelona manager identified careless possession losses as one of the team’s main problems in El Clasico. He stressed the need for greater concentration and smarter decisions on the ball, explaining that losing possession gives opponents opportunities to launch quick attacks and forces Barcelona players to chase the ball to win it back.
He also highlighted the importance of improving defensive marking inside the penalty area after Barcelona struggled to deal with Real Madrid’s movement. Flick confirmed that his coaching staff are working on these details in training and regularly discussing the need for better positioning and decision-making in defensive situations with the players.
These developments come as Barcelona face a shortage of available options at centre-back because of injuries affecting several players. This leaves the coaching staff with a significant challenge ahead of a demanding period in the season.
Although Flick did not identify a specific player Barcelona are targeting, his confirmation that he has held discussions with Deco and the coaching staff indicates that the club is considering a move in the winter transfer market for a defender who can provide the required improvement.
The final decision will depend on the opportunities available in the market and Barcelona’s ability to meet the financial conditions required to complete a deal. However, Flick’s comments make it clear that strengthening the defence is now a serious possibility within the club, rather than merely a subject of media speculation.
