Flick shuts down Julián Álvarez talk, praises Xavi Espart instead

Asked about Julián Álvarez, Hansi Flick's answer was as short as it was firm. Not a word more, not a hint, nothing. The German coach shut the topic down flat in his press conference after Barcelona's win over Athletic Club in LaLiga's second matchday, right as the Argentine forward's name was once again making the rounds in Barcelona.

The story is a familiar one: both the player and the Catalan club have hinted in recent weeks at their interest in getting a deal done, but Atlético Madrid isn't even willing to sit down and negotiate. The Madrid club's stance is firm: Julián Álvarez is not going to Barcelona under any circumstances. So if a move does eventually happen, the path would likely run through Arsenal, provided the English side is willing to put close to 150 million euros on the table.

With all that noise swirling, Flick had little choice but to retreat behind his job description. He made clear that this particular matter is well above his pay grade.

I don't want to talk about Julián, all right? I haven't been involved in these matters, let that be clear. Deco and the rest do their job and I do mine. And my job is to prepare the team well for the upcoming games. That's my job and that's what I'll do, I'm focused on that and nothing elseHansi Flick

Praise for Xavi Espart

If Flick had nothing to say about Julián Álvarez, he couldn't stop talking about Xavi Espart. The academy product started again at left back, a position that isn't naturally his, and turned in his second straight strong performance there. Flick, who isn't usually one to hand out praise lightly, gushed over his display.

I'm really valuing what I'm seeing, I'm even surprised by how he's playing on the left. He's very good. He's a player with great technique, he's also very good one on one, offensively and defensively. And like everyone, he still has room to improveHansi Flick

The coach doubled down on the point shortly after, almost as if he wanted it on record that the comment hadn't been off the cuff.

I'm very surprised by Espart. How he plays, with that calmness of his. It's not easy to play the way he does, in that position. He had a great game today. Tactically he's at an excellent level and he was very focusedHansi Flick

Between the total silence on Julián Álvarez and the genuine surprise over Espart, it was clear what's really on the German coach's mind right now: the team he already has, not the signing others are trying to put together behind closed doors.