Even for a title holder, attacking depth is rarely a luxury.
Flick’s teams have typically needed intensity without the ball and clarity inside the box. That is where squad-building matters. A striker is not only there to finish moves; he can pin centre-backs, attack early crosses and give the team a direct option when opponents crowd midfield. Over a season, those details decide tight matches.
The key issue is not whether Barcelona can score in one opener. It is whether they have enough different solutions when the schedule hardens.
A club defending the title has to plan in layers:
That is why talks between Flick and Deco matter. The objective appears to be balance, not noise. Another report also noted selection attention around the squad in the opener, which only sharpens the sense that roles and depth are still being shaped.
This is also a test of discipline. Barcelona do not need a headline signing for its own sake. They need a forward who fits the coach’s pressing demands, links play cleanly and accepts the competitive reality of the squad.
The 5-0 start gives Flick breathing space. It should also give Deco a clearer picture of what is missing. The next few weeks will show whether Barcelona see a striker as insurance, evolution or the next major piece in their title defence.