Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has made it clear that his team is targeting the biggest prizes this season, while also praising Raphinha and young forward Hamza Abdelkarim after the club's strong start to the campaign.
Flick confirmed that winning the Champions League is Barcelona's main ambition this season, although he also wants the Catalan club to defend their LaLiga crown for a third consecutive year.
“This year we want to win the Champions League; it is our goal,” Flick said. “But it is also important to win LaLiga. Winning it three times in a row would be incredible.”
Barcelona have started the campaign strongly and remain unbeaten in their opening matches.
Flick, however, warned that the team cannot afford to relax, stressing that their intensity and concentration must remain at a high level.
Flick backs Raphinha in new role
One of the biggest talking points around Barcelona has been Raphinha's move into a central attacking role.
The Brazilian has quickly adapted to playing as a No. 9 and has been in excellent scoring form.
Flick was full of praise for the 29 year old, describing his performances in the position as “fantastic” and saying he is “one of the best in the world” when playing at this level.
Raphinha's form has certainly backed up the manager's words.
He has emerged as Barcelona's main attacking threat early in the season, with his performances earning him the LaLiga Player of the Month award for August.
The change has given Flick another option in attack following the departure of Robert Lewandowski, while Raphinha's ability to play both wide and centrally gives Barcelona more flexibility.
Barcelona secure Hamza Abdelkarim's future
Flick also welcomed Barcelona's decision to hand Hamza Abdelkarim a new contract.
The 18 year old Egyptian forward has signed a deal keeping him at Barcelona until 2030 after impressing during the pre season.
He scored four goals during the pre season campaign and subsequently earned his first team debut.
Flick believes Abdelkarim offers something different to the other forwards in the squad and sees him as an important player for Barcelona's future.
“I'm happy. Hamza had an excellent preseason and competes with the rest of the players for his position,” Flick said.
“He's a valuable addition for the club's future.”
The German coach has already indicated that Abdelkarim will continue training with the first team and will be given opportunities as the season progresses.
With Raphinha leading the attack, Abdelkarim developing behind the scenes and Barcelona aiming for another LaLiga title, Flick appears to have a clear plan for the season.
The biggest test, however, will come in Europe.
Barcelona have not won the Champions League since 2015, and Flick knows that domestic success alone will not satisfy the club's ambitions this time around.