Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick bluntly refused to engage with mounting speculation about the future of Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, following his team’s 2-0 victory over Osasuna on Saturday.

“I Don’t Care”: Flick Brushes Off Alonso Speculation After Barca Win

The win at Spotify Camp Nou, secured by a second-half brace from Raphinha, extended Barcelona’s lead at the top of La Liga to seven points over their arch-rivals.

When asked in the post-match press conference to comment on the rumors surrounding Alonso’s job security, Flick was unequivocal in his dismissal.

“I don’t want to talk about the rivals. It’s not a question for me,” Flick stated.

He emphasized his sole focus is on his own squad’s performance, adding,

“If our win puts pressure on the opponent, it’s their issue. We have to continue with this level… The rest, I don’t care”.

The speculation Flick referenced stems from a dramatic collapse in form for Real Madrid.

After defeating Barcelona on October 26 to go five points clear, Madrid has since taken just six points from a possible fifteen in the league.

A damaging 2-0 home defeat to Celta Vigo last weekend intensified scrutiny on Alonso, who only took charge in May.

Barcelona fans at Camp Nou openly mocked their rival’s plight during Saturday’s match, chanting “Xabi, stay!” in a clear display of irony.

Alonso now faces a critical period, with reports indicating his position is in serious danger if results do not immediately improve, starting with Real Madrid’s match against Alaves on Sunday.

In contrast to the turbulence in Madrid, Flick highlighted his team’s positive momentum.

He praised his players’ recovery and fitness, noting, “We’ve recovered, we’re playing well, we already have all the players and almost all of them are 100%”.

He reserved special acclaim for midfielder Pedri, calling him an “incredible” and “top class” footballer.

The victory over Osasuna was Barcelona’s seventh consecutive league win, a run that has completely overturned the standings since their late October defeat.

The contrasting fortunes of the two Clasico giants have become the dominant storyline in Spanish football.

While Flick aims to maintain his team’s focus internally, the pressure on his counterpart at the Bernabeu continues to build with every Barcelona success.

FC Barcelona have once again shown their commitment to building for the future by keeping a close eye on one of Europe’s most exciting young talents.

Barcelona Send Scout to Watch 17-Year-Old Polish Winger

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Catalan club dispatched a scout to Poland to watch Oskar Pietuszewski, the 17-year-old winger currently starring for Jagiellonia Białystok.

Pietuszewski has caught attention this season with his performances in both the Polish league and European competition.

The teenager has scored three goals and provided two assists in all competitions, demonstrating his technical ability and attacking threat from the flank.

Barcelona’s scouting team came away impressed from the visit, according to Spanish and Polish outlets, and have continued to keep the winger under close observation.

The report suggests the Catalans view Pietuszewski as a promising long-term prospect rather than an immediate first-team addition.

Despite the interest, a move this winter now seems unlikely. Pietuszewski’s agent has publicly stated that the young forward will remain with Jagiellonia until the end of the current season.

This aligns with the club’s stance of allowing him to continue developing his game in Poland before considering a transfer abroad.

Barcelona are not the only club tracking the Polish teenager. English giants such as Chelsea and Manchester City are also reported to be monitoring his progress, potentially setting up a competitive race for his signature in the future.

Pietuszewski is under contract with Jagiellonia until 2027 and is highly rated in the transfer market, with some valuations placing him among the most valuable young players in the Ekstraklasa.

For now, Barcelona appear content to observe his development and maintain regular scouting, as they seek to continue their tradition of bringing elite young talent to Camp Nou.

FC Barcelona and AC Milan have been linked with a startling January swap deal one that could see veteran striker Robert Lewandowski move to Italy in exchange for French forward Christopher Nkunku.

Nkunku-for-Lewandowski Swap on the Table as Milan Targets Barca Striker

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato (as cited by Mundo Deportivo), Milan are preparing to propose Nkunku as a makeweight in the operation hoping to tempt Barcelona into giving up Lewandowski mid-season.

The reasoning behind Milan’s interest is straightforward. The Rossoneri sit among the Serie A frontrunners and believe Lewandowski’s proven goal-scoring pedigree could be the key to bolstering their title challenge in the second half of the campaign.

Meanwhile, Nkunku who joined Milan from Chelsea last summer has struggled to hit the ground running in Italy, making him a potential candidate for a switch.

However, insiders at Barcelona appear sceptical. Despite the buzz of negotiations, sources close to the Polish striker reportedly deny that any meeting or agreement is imminent, stressing that Lewandowski remains an important asset and that no formal talks have been held regarding his departure.

From Milan’s perspective, the club may soon meet with super-agent Pini Zahavi who represents both players to explore the possibility of making the swap a reality.

But even if discussions take place, pulling off such a complex exchange during the winter window will be difficult, especially given Barcelona’s preference to maintain squad stability mid-season.

For now, the story remains firmly in the realm of speculation but if the deal goes ahead, it would rank among the most surprising transfers of the winter window.

Hansi Flick, the manager of FC Barcelona, has made it clear that 24-year-old defender Eric Garcia is not just a regular member of the squad — but a serious candidate to one day lead the team.

Eric García’s Rise: From Squad Member to ‘Future Captain’ Under Flick

Speaking ahead of Barcelona’s La Liga trip to face Real Betis, Flick said that Garcia’s recent form, attitude and versatility make him captain material.

Garcia has signed a long-term contract extension with Barcelona, committing his future to the club until 2031.

According to Flick said on Mundo Deportivo, this renewal was fully deserved. “At the level he’s at, he’s fantastic. He knows this club very well, he deserves a new contract,” Flick said.

Moreover, Flick did not shy away from projecting leadership responsibilities onto Garcia’s shoulders.

He described him as a key figure in the dressing room and praised the defender’s professionalism, work ethic and willingness to contribute — whether playing as a centre-back, full-back, or even coming off the bench.

“He gives everything for the club,” Flick added. 

Since Flick took charge, Garcia’s role in the team has grown significantly. His adaptability — performing as centre-back, right-back, left-back, or even defensive midfielder when needed — has made him one of the most trusted players in the squad this season.

With Barcelona riding a wave of good form — including a convincing 3–1 win over Atlético Madrid — the stage might soon be set for Garcia to don the captain’s armband, if Flick’s faith in him is borne out on the pitch

FC Barcelona are reportedly ready to step up their search for a new left-side central defender next summer and one of their top targets could come from the Premier League.

Murillo emerges as top left-footed target for Barcelona — but at a price

The player under serious consideration is 23-year-old Brazilian centre-back Murillo, currently starring for Nottingham Forest.

Observers say Murillo represents exactly the kind of profile Barcelona need — young, left-footed and already battle-tested in a top European league.

Forest value Murillo rather highly. CaughtOffside suggest that any club hoping to sign him will need to meet an asking price in the ballpark of €80–90 million (roughly £70–80 million).

That fee may prove steep for Barcelona, especially given the club also needs to spend on a new striker once Robert Lewandowski departs next summer.

Still, Barcelona’s coaching staff and sporting directors appear keen to press ahead.

Manager Hansi Flick has reportedly identified a left-footed centre-back as a top priority during the next transfer window, citing the departure of Inigo Martínez as a gap that must be filled.

Whether Barcelona will be able to meet the fee remains to be seen. Financial constraints and the likelihood of needing to invest heavily in attack too could force the club to reconsider.

But for now, Murillo remains among the defenders under serious consideration, and Barcelona’s interest shows no sign of cooling.