The coach once again apologized to the team for their performance in the second half of the derby. “I’ve played, and I know what happens when you’re ahead 3-0 and it seems easy.”
Barça’s crushing victories over Bayern and Real Madrid have propelled Flick’s side to the top of the Champions League favorites list. However, the German coach prefers to keep his feet on the ground. We are at the beginning of November, and it’s only the fourth matchday, right in the middle of the group stage. It’s too soon to be thinking about the final at the Allianz Arena in Munich. “Winning the Champions League? There’s still a lot of work to be done for that. In the end, it’s better to train hard and not talk too much,” he advised his players.
Flick’s message is clear. To dream and aspire, one must earn it on the pitch. “In this new format of the Champions, what matters is winning. The victory against Bayern changed the landscape significantly. But I don’t even know in what position we are because we have just started. The goal now is to be among the top eight when we finish this phase. I hope we can achieve that,” he added. So, it’s back to work, he seemed to imply to his players.
The coach has managed to change many things in a short time, but there is still one dynamic he needs to modify: winning away from home in the Champions League. “I’m not worried about the past; I care about the present. We can’t always compare,” he announced. However, he remains demanding. “Now is our time; we want to be successful. Tomorrow is a good day (to win),” he said about the upcoming visit to Belgrade.
“We are facing a tough match. They have quick forwards, and it won’t be easy. We need to be prepared,” he warned about the threats posed by Red Star.
Barcelona is getting sharp with their offside tactics, although Flick stated he is keeping an eye on the statistics. “We try to play football and ensure the entire team is well connected. Our defenders are doing very well. Pressing is crucial because without pressure we don’t play as well,” he pointed out.
Mentally, the focus shifted back to the second half against Espanyol, where the team’s performance dipped. “I already told the team. Although I have played football too, and I know what happens when you’re leading 3-0 and everything seems easy. This is a different competition, the Champions League, and everyone knows how important victory is. I’m always positive, and we will play differently than we did in the second half.”
Fermín López, midfielder for Barcelona, acknowledged, “It’s true that in the second half of the derby we relaxed a bit. The boss pressed us, and I think it won’t happen again,” reflecting on Flick’s approach.
For the midfielder, the coach “surely has a big part to play” in the great moment the Barcelona team is experiencing. “Since Flick arrived, he has helped us a lot. We are basically the same players, but we are a stronger team. If we keep working like this, we can achieve great things.”
The coach did not wish to comment on the young player’s praises and instead highlighted the great atmosphere. “I have a fantastic team. Deco has done a magnificent job changing all the staff around the team. Working together has benefited us greatly. It’s a joy to watch them play in training. It’s incredible. Not just the young ones, but the veterans are doing great work too. It’s important to be connected and maintain a good atmosphere off the pitch, in the dressing room.”
