Hansi Flick addresses Marc-Andre ter Stegen feud with Barcelona and confirms role in signing 'great goalkeeper' Joan Garcia

Flick has addressed the reported friction between goalkeeper Ter Stegen and the club, confirming that talks have taken place to resolve the issue. Ter Stegen initially refused to give his permission for Barca to send his injury report to La Liga, which would boost their hopes of registering his replacement, Joan Garcia. However, the German has since turned back on that decision, much to Flick's delight, with the coach insisting the club will help him through his recover.

Asked about Ter Stegen at a press conference, Flick said: "I think the most important thing is that everyone talks. Marc and the club, and they've done that. The most important thing is that he's back and at his best. He's a fantastic goalkeeper, and the important thing is that he's ready to play. We'll all help him. We're all on his side."

Adding on to Garcia, he added: "That was a decision on everyone's part; we all decided to sign him. He's a great goalkeeper. Behind him is Szczesny. I'm happy with the situation as it is."

Flick is preparing his team for their title defence against a backdrop of significant off-field issues, primarily the club's ongoing struggle to register new players. Key summer signings, including Garcia and striker Marcus Rashford, are not yet registered with La Liga due to financial fair play constraints. They will also begin the campaign without star striker Robert Lewandowski, who has been ruled out of the first match through injury.

Barcelona kick off their La Liga season away to Mallorca on Saturday. The club's administrative staff are in a race against time to complete the registrations for Garcia and Marcus Rashford to make them available for the match. With Lewandowski sidelined, Ferran Torres is expected to start in attack. Flick's immediate challenge is to ensure the off-field distractions do not affect his team's performance as they begin their title defence.