Barcelona’s perfect start to the season has given Hansi Flick another reason to believe his side can challenge on several fronts, but the German insists there is still room for improvement after Sunday’s 5-0 victory at Valencia.
Lamine Yamal scored twice at Mestalla, while Raphinha, Fermin Lopez and Pedri completed a fourth consecutive league victory. Barcelona have now scored 17 goals in four matches, moving top of the table after Real Madrid’s defeat by Real Betis on Friday.
Flick was pleased with the authority of the performance but refused to describe it as flawless.
“Today was a fantastic game, nearly perfect,” he said. “We had control, we were dominant. This is what I want: to control the game and try to get spaces. We did it.”
He added: “But nothing is perfect. You can always improve. We can get better.”
The result also strengthened the case for Barcelona’s attacking options after the club spent much of the summer looking for a new No 9. Raphinha has scored six times while operating as a makeshift striker, with Yamal and Fermin both on four goals.
Barcelona eventually signed Gabriel Jesus after failing to reach an agreement with Atletico Madrid for Julian Alvarez. Jesus made his debut at Valencia as a late substitute.
Flick maintained that the need for a recognised striker had not disappeared despite the early scoring figures.
“We need normally a real No 9, this is clear,” Flick said. “But we have huge quality in the offence, also in the midfield – everyone can score goals.”
We’re doing well, coach 🤝. pic.twitter.com/gG3YCR3iwq
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 7, 2026
Pedri also insisted Barcelona have enough players capable of scoring goals.
“People always want a striker that scores 40 goals a season, but we have a lot of players that can do that work,” the midfielder, who got on the scoresheet at the Mestalla, said. “We won’t lack goals this season.”
Pedri’s goal came in his first start alongside Rodri in Barcelona’s midfield. The pair previously played together for Spain, although Pedri’s eventual loss of his place in the national side led to questions over whether they could operate effectively in the same team.
“It has been said that we don’t work together, but it’s very comfortable playing with Rodri,” Pedri countered. “He hardly ever loses the ball and that helps a lot in defence. We’re going to have a good understanding that will get even better with more and more games.”
Rodri completed his first start for Barcelona and played 60 minutes as he continues to regain match fitness.
Flick believes the former Manchester City midfielder can provide both control and leadership while helping the development of younger players such as Marc Bernal.
“You can see everything he does with the ball, on the pitch, it makes sense,” Flick said. It also gives the team in offence with the ball structure, but also without the ball.
“Rodri is amazing. Not only on the pitch great, also in the dressing room, an absolute leader. It’s good to have him.”
