Orian Goren's performance against Udinese: "The youngsters surprised everyone"
The Israeli talent received 29 minutes of playing time for Barcelona and is expected to return to the reserve team. Hansi Flick admitted that the pre-season preparation is far from ideal.
Orian Goren continued to earn minutes with the Barcelona senior team. In the second pre-season match on Saturday against Udinese, the 17-year-old Israeli talent came off the bench for 29 minutes, though he could not prevent a 1:0 defeat. According to reports from Spain, he is expected to return to the reserve team this Monday, as senior squad players who were granted rest following the World Cup return to their teammates.
"The young players are performing very well; they have surprised everyone," said Marc Bernal after the match. "We hope they continue with this mentality and intensity, and that when their opportunity comes, they will seize it."
Hansi Flick admitted that the preparation has been challenging due to the number of absentees resting after the World Cup:
"The pre-season is not routine. We will not be at 100% until after the international break."
Regarding potential reinforcements, he added: "We are always discussing improvements and adding the players we need, but we must be patient."
Commenting on Ronald Araujo's departure to Liverpool, Flick stated:
"I think Ronald is a great guy and a great player, but our style of play is different from what he prefers. He is a powerful and fast player. It is a pity for me; it was difficult, and I could not use him as I would have liked. Past mistakes affected him mentally. I saw him happy, and I wish him all the best in the world. He is a wonderful person, a fine player, and a great captain. Changes in life are normal."
