Under the question, is Gündogan financially responsible for Flick's high-profile transfer?
Hansi Flick Secures Dani Olmo for FC Barcelona, Financial Woes Looming. Could This Signal the Departure of Ilkay Gündogan? The German Captain Misses Season Kickoff.
Hansi Flick knew who to give his gratitude to. The ex-German national team coach gave Robert Lewandowski a hearty hug after FC Barcelona's tough 2:1 (1:1) victory over FC Valencia in their first match of the season. Relief was evident on Flick's face. "We made plenty of mistakes in the first half. But we took the first step. In the end, we controlled the game," Flick commented.
Following in the footsteps of his renowned German predecessors, Hennes Weisweiler and Udo Lattek, who both began their league campaigns with victories in 1975 and 1981, respectively, Flick was able to celebrate thanks to Lewandowski's two goals (45+6, 49./penalty).
"Claiming a victory in a stadium like Valencia is never easy," Lewandowski said, having won the Champions League with Flick in Munich. "I don't know how many goals I'll score overall this season, but scoring in the opening match brings me comfort. It boosts my confidence," Lewandowski added.
However, Flick still has challenges to overcome. Valencia could have gone ahead in the first half, but Hugo Duro (44.) was the only scorer. Pau Cubarsi saved the day after a devastating error by the national team's goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen during the game build-up against Duro (45+3). "We played better in the second half," Flick noted.
But Flick also faces decisions off the pitch. According to Spanish media, the club is considering selling their national team captain, Ilkay Gündogan. Barcelona desperately needs funds for new signings, and Dani Olmo, who was signed from RB Leipzig for 55 million euros, has not yet been registered with the league.
Officially, Gündogan missed the Valencia game due to a head injury sustained during a friendly against AS Monaco (0:3). Flick recently expressed high praise for Gündogan, suggesting he believed the player would remain. However, Gündogan is reportedly being pursued by foreign clubs. After the triumphant opening, Flick can only catch his breath for a brief moment.
FC Barcelona's financial difficulties led them to consider selling their national team captain, Ilkay Gündogan. This decision comes as the club needs funds for new signings, with Dani Olmo, a recent acquisition from RB Leipzig for 55 million euros, yet to be registered with the league.
Despite Hansi Flick's high praise for Gündogan, the German captain missed FC Barcelona's opening match against Valencia due to a head injury. The absence of Gündogan, along with financial constraints, could potentially impact Flick's team strategies moving forward.
