Hansi Flick says Barcelona are still looking for a new No. 9 and added that he has full confidence in Deco to deliver the goods before the transfer window closes.
Deco has already brought in Karim Adeyemi, Anthony Gordon, Joao Cancelo, Rodri and Jesse Bisiwu this summer, and Flick is hoping there may be one more addition.
“Yes, we are looking for this player [a 9]. Deco has done a fantastic job so far and I trust him with my eyes closed,” he said after the Gamper Trophy win.
Barcelona beat Al Ahly 2-1
in their final pre-season friendly and Flick is happy with his team and thrilled to have Rodri in the ranks.
“This preseason has not been easy because many players arrived a week ago. We have managed these games so that they can get minutes,” he added.
“We have quality, a fantastic team. We have to manage it because this international break has not made it easy for us, but we have a good feeling.
“Rodri has shown at the World Cup that he is the best player. He structures the team, is good with the ball at his feet and can decide when to play faster and when to play slower. That’s what we want from a player like that. He’s a leader on and off the field.”
Barcelona will now switch focus to the start of their La Liga campaign and an opener away at Elche on Sunday.
