Luis de la Fuente praises Hansi Flick and declares Barça on another level

German coach Hansi Flick, head of FC Barcelona, raised his finger and smiled at the press during the club's training day press conference, ahead of the La Liga EA Sports match against CA Osasuna at the Joan Gamper Sports City, Sant Joan Despi, Barcelona, on December 12, 2025.

Spectacular relationship between Flick and La Roja

Luis de la Fuente, head coach of the Spanish national team, said he maintains a “spectacular” relationship with Hansi Flick and that the German coach has taken Barça to “another level” this season. “I have a very good relationship with Hansi Flick, just so you know. Spectacular. I adore him,” he told the newspaper AS. He also praised the collective performance, noting that both Barcelona and Betis are the teams that play best currently.

De la Fuente recalled that, unlike eras when it was said Barça lacked a centre‑forward, today it has Raphinha in great form, and Gabriel Jesus and Dani Olmo also contributing in that area, which, according to him, allows them to play without the need for a traditional striker.

Before the World Cup, tensions arose between the Spanish national team and Barcelona after the controversy over the use of Lamine Yamal, whom Flick criticised when La Roja gave him painkillers to be able to play. The controversy arose before the World Cup, when Flick criticised La Roja for the handling of Lamine Yamal.

Barça moves forward with Raphinha and nears the signing of JJ Gabriel

At that time, de la Fuente said he was “surprised” by Flick’s comments, but he assures that the relationship between the two coaches has improved and praises the German for the work he is doing at Camp Nou. German coach Hansi Flick has been the focus of the press conference.

Call‑up and upcoming commitments

The Spanish coach has called up seven Barcelona players during the international break. The world champions will be back in action on Saturday night, facing England in the Nations League.

The next national team match will take place after Barcelona’s league game against Osasuna, which will be played at the Joan Gamper Sports City, keeping the focus on the team’s performance under Flick. That match belongs to the Spanish League, the main competition of Spanish football.

The press‑conference images were released by NurPhoto via Getty Images, showing the German coach gesturing while answering journalists. The atmosphere was optimistic, with the press highlighting the clarity of his answers.