SAEDNEWS: Barcelona suffered a 1-0 defeat against Udinese in a preseason tournament in Italy, prompting Hansi Flick to address the team’s current form, returning players, Ronald Araujo’s future and the club’s approach to potential transfers.
According to SaedNews: Barcelona’s preseason campaign took another turn in Italy as Hansi Flick’s side slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Udinese, with the German coach admitting that his team is still some way from reaching its best level.
The defeat came in the second of Barcelona’s two matches at a three-team friendly tournament in Udine. Barcelona had opened the event with a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, but could not repeat that result against the hosts.
Both matches were played over a single 45-minute half, giving Flick limited time to assess a squad still working its way back toward full fitness.
Rather than treating the result as an isolated setback, Flick focused much of his post-match discussion on preparation, player availability and the changes that naturally come with the end of a season.
Speaking to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Flick acknowledged that Barcelona were not operating at their highest level during the two matches.
He nevertheless pointed to encouraging aspects of the training period and said the team’s work had generally progressed well.
The coach was less satisfied with Friday’s training session, but felt there was a noticeable improvement in the team’s performance during the Udinese match.
Barcelona are also dealing with the return of several important players. Flick specifically mentioned Fermin Lopez and Raphinha, along with other players gradually rejoining the group.
For a team preparing for the demands of a new season, the timing of those returns matters. Players are rebuilding their rhythm at different speeds, while the coaching staff must balance competitive preparation with the physical demands of preseason.
Flick’s message was therefore one of patience rather than alarm.
He made it clear that Barcelona are not expected to be at their absolute best immediately, particularly during a preparation period that has not followed entirely normal conditions.
Raphinha was one of the players Flick discussed most positively.
The Brazilian winger had been training for around 10 days, while Fermin Lopez had been back for slightly longer. Flick said he was satisfied with the performances of both players.
But his comments about Raphinha went further.
Flick described him as a very important player for Barcelona because of the energy, speed and movement he can bring to the team.
Those qualities, according to the coach, are exactly what Barcelona need.
Raphinha’s return therefore represents more than simply another player becoming available. For Flick, his ability to inject pace and movement could become an important element as Barcelona work toward their desired level.
One of the most significant topics surrounding Barcelona is Ronald Araujo, and Flick was asked about the possibility of the defender moving to Liverpool.
The coach spoke warmly about the Uruguayan, describing him as an excellent person and player.
Flick highlighted Araujo’s strength and speed, while also praising his ability with the ball. But he acknowledged that the defender may want a new experience.
According to Flick, events in the past contributed to Araujo’s desire for a change.
The Barcelona coach said he had seen Araujo that morning and repeated that he considered him both a very good player and a very good person.
At the same time, Flick stressed that change is a normal part of football and life.
Every team undergoes adjustments after a season, he explained, while Barcelona also have many young players who need opportunities and space.
That makes squad management particularly important as the club prepares for the new campaign.
Flick was also asked about the possibility of Barcelona adding new players.
His response was cautious.
The coach said discussions are always taking place about improving the squad and bringing in players the team needs, but he emphasized the importance of patience.
That approach suggests that Barcelona’s transfer decisions will not necessarily be rushed simply because the preseason has produced an uneven start.
Flick is clearly assessing what his current squad can offer while also waiting for players to return and regain their rhythm.
Ferran Torres was another player whose future was raised during the discussion.
Flick did not provide any concrete information about the possibility of the forward leaving Barcelona.
Instead, he emphasized that he respects the players’ holidays and said he currently had no information on the matter.
His response reflected the broader message he delivered throughout the interview: not every issue needs to be resolved immediately during this stage of preparation.
The final part of Flick’s comments perhaps offered the clearest explanation for Barcelona’s current situation.
He stressed that this preseason has not followed normal conditions and that the team will need to manage the situation until the next international break.
By that point, he still does not expect Barcelona to have reached their absolute best.
That admission is important because the Udinese defeat could easily be interpreted as a warning sign. Flick, however, appears to view the result within the larger context of preseason preparation.
The team is still integrating returning players, dealing with possible squad changes and building physical and tactical rhythm.
The loss to Udinese may therefore leave Barcelona supporters wanting more, but Flick’s message is straightforward: the final judgment will have to wait.
For now, Barcelona are still in the process of finding their rhythm, and Flick is asking for patience while that process unfolds.
The coming weeks will show whether that patience is rewarded—and whether the players returning to the squad can provide the energy, speed and quality Flick believes the team needs.
