'I love him' – Luis de la Fuente hails Barcelona and Hansi Flick as 'another level'

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has heaped praise on Barcelona and coach Hansi Flick, insisting the German has his team playing at “another level” this season and revealing the pair enjoy a “spectacular” relationship.

Hansi Flick, Barcelona head coach, during a match

The comments mark a warm turnaround between the two coaches, who clashed before the World Cup over Spain’s use of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. Flick was critical of La Roja after the youngster was given painkillers to play, with de la Fuente admitting at the time that he was “surprised” by the Barcelona boss’s remarks.

Speaking to AS, de la Fuente made clear that any tension is firmly in the past and praised Flick for the work he is doing at Camp Nou.

“I have a very good relationship with Hansi Flick, just so you know. Spectacular. I love him. Barça is on another level. Betis is also doing well. I think they’re the two teams that are playing the best right now.”

The Spain boss also marvelled at Barcelona’s fluid, striker-less system, which has confounded traditionalists this season.

“Barça reminds me of when people used to say, ‘They don’t have a center forward.’ And I’d say, ‘Please, I’m amazed.’ Barça is going to play without a center forward? Well, thank goodness. With Raphinha in the form he is, and Gabriel Jesus and Dani Olmo even playing there, they’re doing fantastically.”

Seven Barcelona players in Spain squad

De la Fuente has called up seven Barcelona players for the international break as the world champions look to build on their title-winning form. Spain return to action on Saturday night against England in the Nations League, giving de la Fuente’s squad an immediate chance to test themselves at international level.

With Barcelona flying high domestically and Spain reigning world champions, the relationship between the two camps appears to be in rude health — a far cry from the friction that overshadowed the build-up to the last World Cup.