Flick Backs La Masia Exits After Barcelona's 5-0 Win

Overview

• Barcelona extended a perfect La Liga start with a 5-0 victory over Valencia on Sunday, capping a run of 17 goals in four league games.
• Flick said it is hard to tell La Masia graduates to leave and defended the summer departures that included Tommy Marques, Ansu Fati and Inaki Peña while noting promoted youngsters such as Xavi Espart and Brian Fariñas.
• The coach confirmed that signings were decided in coordination with Deco and that new arrivals were made to replace players who left the squad over the summer.
• Flick singled out Lamine Yamal, Fermín López and Rodri for praise after the win and said Yamal played through a minor knock after confirming with staff that he felt fit to play.
• Despite the high goal output, Flick insisted Barcelona still need a traditional No.9 and media reports have already linked the club to Julián Álvarez as a potential target for the January window.