FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick was pleased that his team managed to maintain the level it … [+] showed against Real Madrid last time out by once again scoring five goals against Real Betis in the Copa del Rey last 16 on Wednesday.
AFP via Getty Images
FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick was pleased that his team managed to maintain the level it showed against Real Madrid last time out, when once again scoring five goals against Real Betis in the Copa del Rey last 16 on Wednesday.
The newly-crowned Spanish Super Cup champion that thrashed Madrid 5-2 in Jeddah got past the Andalusians by putting up a similar 5-1 scoreline in Montjuic midweek.
Commenting on the action post-match, Fl8ck said that it was “very important after the great victory in the Super Cup to see how the team returned”.
“We travelled, we didn’t train on Monday, and after just one training session it’s very good to see the performance from the beginning,” the German explained.
Flick’s line up had plenty of surprises, with Dani Olmo starting as a center forward in Robert Lewandowski’s place.
“He knows how to play perfectly as a nine, he has done it in the national team. We have talked about it. Lewandowski was not an option and we wanted to try him [Olmo].
“The plan worked well, and you will have seen that the distance between the players has been perfect,” Flick added, ahead of confirming that ‘Lewa’ isn’t injured and merely needed a rest.
In his own post-match comments, Gavi stated that Lamine Yamal is the best player in the world “behind only Messi”.
Asked if he agreed, Flick said: “Gavi is very emotional … yes, my answer is yes, in big games you see how great talents shine, we have seen it in many games, but we have to take care of him.”
Praise was also due for Pedri, who Flick remarked is “in full swing”.
“He is one of the players that performs in every game. He runs many miles and does many things. It’s important to me that he stands out as a leader, we need someone who stands out in the midfield fight. He’s doing really well.”
Though the defender has been linked with a shock move to Juventus, Flick reminded us that Ronald Araujo “has a contract for a year and a half and I have never doubted that he will be here”.
“I’m very happy to have him and you saw how the fans celebrated his return.”
As for Gavi, Flick explained that “what I like about him is that he is always present, he always presses and wins important duels. And he also knows how to play with the ball, I’m very happy.”
Frenkie de Jong had a good game as well, with Flick believing the Dutchman “has taken a step in the right direction”.
On Ansu Fati, who was snubbed from the squad, Flick stressed that “there are more players in form and for him it is not easy”.
“He has to train and show us that he is improving,” the coach demanded.
