SportsPosted at: Sep 19 2026 10:34PM


Barcelona on different level to last season, says coach Flick

Madrid, Sep 19 (UNI) FC Barcelona is without first-choice goalkeeper Joan Garcia for Saturday's La Liga visit to Sevilla as Hansi Flick's side looks to make it seven wins from seven games at the start of the season.
Garcia suffered a knock on his right knee in Wednesday's 7-2 win at home to Racing Santander and will be sidelined for around three weeks, although the injury isn't serious. Either veteran Wojciech Szczesny or recent arrival Dominik Livakovic will replace him between the posts.
"I never say what I am going to do, so you have to wait until tomorrow," replied Flick in his press conference when asked who would start in goal.
The game comes almost exactly a year after Barcelona lost 4-1 away to Sevilla at the Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium in what was a turning point last season, with Sevilla finding gaping holes in the Barcelona defense before Flick's side started a run of form that ended with it comfortably winning the title.
Barcelona has looked unstoppable so far this campaign, with Raphinha in excellent form, while Lamine Yamal has hit seven goals in six La Liga appearances and Rodrigo Hernandez has slotted into the side perfectly following his arrival from Manchester City.
"We are at a different level compared to last season," advised Flick, although he warned "every match starts at 0-0, and Sevilla, especially at home, plays very well."
Sevilla has started the season strongly under Luis Garcia, with four wins and a draw giving the club 13 points and easing fears of another year of struggle after last season's battle against relegation, according to Xinhua.
Garcia's side is based on solid defense and effective deliveries from set pieces and will test Barcelona's defense in the air and also on the counter-attack.
"They play man-to-man in defense and will press us. For us, it is important to play with confidence. Controlling the game is key against teams that play that way; we have to try to move them from side to side," said Flick, who again said he would make changes to his starting 11.
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Tags: #Barcelona on different level to last season# says coach Flick
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