FC Barcelona Coach Flick Makes Season Promise And Confirms Exits

Hansi Flick, the coach of FC Barcelona, addressed fans after a 1-0 preseason defeat to Udinese on Saturday night. The match was part of a unique 45-minute triangular format, pitting Barcelona against Udinese in a final of sorts. Despite the loss, the Catalan side secured a Friuli Venezia Giulia Cup victory with their youth team, except for Andreas Christensen and Alejandro Balde.

Recognizing the atypical nature of this preseason, Flick expressed concern about players' holidays and the team's unpreparedness. He assured fans that they would not be at full capacity until late September. Flick confirmed that Marc Casado and Roony Bardghji were last-minute cuts from the Italian trip, a surprise even to the players.

Ronald Araujo is also set to join Liverpool on loan, a surprising move, which Flick acknowledged. "The situation of Casado and Roony is not easy for me, but decisions have to be made. I spoke to them at the end of last season and also in England. I explained the situation and gave them my advice," Flick added, mentioning Ronald's desire for a change. Despite these exits, Barcelona will continue its preseason campaign against Basel on August 16.