Head coach says the club have to bring in a quality defender this winter
Barcelona are considering a defensive signing in the January transfer window after head coach Hansi Flick admitted his squad is short at the back and has conceded too many goals this season.
Barcelona have let in 20 goals in 18 La Liga games, the worst defensive record among the league’s top seven, and have also conceded 11 times in six Champions League matches. Injuries and departures have left Flick relying heavily on inexperienced options, a situation he accepts may need addressing if the club are to sustain a title challenge.
“We are not ready yet,” said Flick. “When you look at our back line, with centre-backs and full-backs, we need another player. But we have to talk about it, and it’s difficult to bring in a quality player in the winter transfer window. I’m confident we can do something, but it has to make sense.”
Flick has largely used the talented but young Pau Cubarsi alongside Gerard Martin in recent matches, but there are limited replacements available for the pair. Andreas Christensen is out for a long spell after suffering a cruciate injury in December. Ronald Araujo was given some time off by the club due to concerns over his mental health. That leaves only Eric Garcia, who has often been required to put in a shift in defensive midfield.
Araujo has returned to training but Flick did not confirm when the Uruguay international will be ready to play.
“It’s up to him,” Flick said. “He is not physically 100 per cent, but he is good now. He has to decide how fast it goes. I can see and feel the support from the teammates, which has been fantastic. He has taken the time he needed. He’s on the right track.”
