Flick: Barcelona might have to sign another forward

MADRID, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona coach Hansi Flick admitted on Monday that his side will probably need to sign a striker before the start of the new season.

Barcelona is currently holding its preseason training camp in England, where Flick spoke to the media about his plans for the new campaign.

Robert Lewandowski left the club at the end of last season, while Ferran Torres has reportedly emerged as a possible target for Paris Saint-Germain following his winning goal in the World Cup final.

Lewandowski has yet to be replaced, and Flick admitted that Barcelona may need to enter the transfer market, particularly if Torres also leaves.

"It depends on the team. We have to wait. I have complete confidence in (Sporting Director) Deco, and we know we have to do something. It also depends on Ferran. We'll see what we do," he commented.

The German pointed out that even without Torres and Lewandowski, his side still retains plenty of attacking options.

"Lamine (Yamal) has played a couple of games with us (as a striker). He's a fantastic, world-class player, and he can adapt to it. Our focus is on him playing as a '7', but we'll see what happens," he commented, adding that summer signings Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi "can play as a number nine and on both wings."

"We have many options, and we'll see what happens," said Flick, who did not expect the club to sign a midfielder to cover for the injured Frenkie de Jong.

Flick was also asked whether some of his players might relax after forming part of Spain's World Cup-winning squad, but he dismissed those concerns.

"Champions never stop. They know how to win titles, and that's important. This title should give them more confidence. When you work hard and focus every day, it eventually becomes something special," he explained. ■