Barcelona’s Hansi Flick expresses disappointment over Dro Fernández’s transfer to PSG.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has expressed his “disappointment” regarding Dro Fernández’s choice to sign with Paris Saint-Germain this week, stating he “cared for this player.”
Dro, 18, finalized his move to PSG on Monday after the European champions agreed to pay slightly above his €6 million ($7.1m) release clause to bring him to the French capital.
Sources informed ESPN that Flick was upset about losing Dro, and he had previously indicated he would share his complete thoughts on the transfer once it was finalized, although he moderated his reaction somewhat on Friday.
“I changed my mind, I don’t want to comment further,” he stated in a press conference when asked for his final opinion on the matter now that everything is official.
“I truly cared for this player. Naturally, I am disappointed, but this is football. We must respect this choice.
“As I mentioned, I am disappointed. He is aware of it; I cared for this player. [At Barcelona] he potentially had a bright future, but he opted for a different path.”
Dro had been part of Barça’s first team since last summer when Flick included him in the preseason tour. He had made five appearances across all competitions, debuting in both LaLiga and the Champions League, but was eager for more regular playing time.
Earlier this week, Barça sporting director Deco remarked that being in “such a hurry” could “harm his career” in the long run.
Dro’s exit, along with goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen joining Girona and João Cancelo arriving on loan, signifies the conclusion of Barça’s transfer activities in January, as stated by club president Joan Laporta this week.
Flick mentioned he believes the squad he has can compete on all fronts, adding that injured players will return soon and academy graduates are prepared to step in if necessary as Barça vie for LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League after winning the Spanish Supercopa this month.
“Yes,” he affirmed when asked if he was satisfied with his squad ahead of the transfer window closing.
“Hopefully, the injured players will return soon, so we can see Pedri, who is perhaps in the midst of his recovery; Gavi, who has also trained more than before, so we will see what unfolds; and Andreas [Christensen] is also in a similar situation.
“I have a strong team, we possess a lot of quality, and also from Barça B, La Masia, they have the capability to play, like Tommy [Marques], Jofre [Torrents], and others who have been with us. I am genuinely pleased with the quality.”
Barça, who lead Real Madrid by one point at the top of LaLiga, will return to league action away at Elche on Saturday after securing their place directly in the round of 16 of the Champions League earlier this week.
