Barcelona's head coach Hansi Flick expressed his discontent on Friday regarding the potential departure of crucial midfielder Dani Olmo due to the club's financial difficulties, while remaining hopeful for a positive resolution.
On Tuesday, the Catalan club announced their request to the Spanish football federation for a new playing licence for Spanish international Olmo, following the expiration of his initial registration on December 31, 2024, after Barcelona had exhausted all legal options for extension.
Barcelona acquired Olmo for approximately 60 million euros ($62 million) last summer. Spanish media reports suggest his contract contains a provision allowing his release if registration requirements are not met.
Due to La Liga's strict financial regulations limiting Barcelona's expenditure, the debt-laden club initially managed to register Olmo only after Andreas Christensen's injury in August.
Striker Pau Victor faces a similar registration predicament.
"If I am honest, I was not happy about the situation, and the players are not happy about the situation," Flick told a news conference Friday.
"But it is like it is and we have to accept it, we are professional, we have to play football. I have to coach and the club has to do their job.
"The confidence (in the club) is there, I am always positive about things, but we have to wait for the decision."
Barcelona are set to face Barbastro in the Copa del Rey round of 32 on Saturday, currently without Olmo and Victor.
"My job is to prepare the team for the cup," continued Flick.
"I was in contact before Christmas with the president and I spoke today with the president.
"I have the confidence with the club that they do their job and I do my job."
Olmo, 26, a key contributor to Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, has shown excellent form since arriving from Leipzig, scoring five league goals.
La Liga stated on Tuesday that "Barcelona has presented no alternative" that complies with league spending regulations to enable player registration.
The potential loss of Olmo would significantly impact the third-placed Blaugrana's trophy aspirations this season, whilst adding to the club's series of administrative difficulties following years of financial mismanagement.
