Barcelona manager Hansi Flick faced the media ahead of what promises to be an emotional final home game of the 2025/26 La Liga season against Real Betis. With the Camp Nou crowd ready to bid farewell to a legend, Flick balanced the practical demands of the match with the sentimental weight of the occasion.
At the heart of the press conference was Robert Lewandowski, who recently confirmed he will leave Barcelona at the end of the season. Flick acknowledged the striker's immense contributions, both on and off the pitch. "Robert deserves a special send-off and will start tomorrow; he's earned it," Flick said, confirming the Polish forward will lead the line in his final appearance at the Camp Nou. "We have time to work on how to cover his departure, and there will be a time to look at the transfer market. As for next season, we still don't know what will happen, but we're considering various options."
The German tactician reflected on their shared journey, which spans four years and nine titles together—a partnership that has been nothing short of prolific. "I've been working with Robert for four years; we've won nine titles together, and it's been a privilege to share this journey," Flick said, his voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. "He's a great professional, always striving to perform at the highest level, and he's already said his goodbyes to the team."
Beyond the Lewandowski narrative, Flick emphasized the importance of finishing the home campaign on a high note. "It's always important to have goals, and one of them is to win every home game," he stated. "We're up against a very strong side that has been consistent in recent seasons and boasts players of great individual quality. It won't be an easy match, but we want to end the season at the Camp Nou with a win."
The manager also touched on other key squad updates. Frenkie de Jong's fitness remains a talking point, with Flick noting the midfielder is progressing but not yet at full match sharpness. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford's adaptation to life at Barcelona continues, with the English forward showing promising signs in training. Flick also provided updates on Andreas Christensen's recovery and the ongoing evaluation of Wojciech Szczesny and Joan Garcia, though he kept details close to his chest.
As the curtain falls on Barcelona's home season, all eyes will be on Lewandowski's farewell and whether the team can deliver a fitting victory against a resilient Betis side. For Flick, it's about honoring the past while keeping an eye on the future—a balancing act that defines this transitional moment for the club.