Flick talks Raphinha, Ansu, De Jong, Lewandowski after Barcelona 5-0 Young Boys | OneFootball

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick expressed satisfaction with his team’s commanding 5-0 victory over Young Boys in the second round of the Champions League.

After a disappointing 2-1 loss in the opening game against Monaco, this resounding win was a much-needed boost, reaffirming Barça’s strength in Europe.

Flick acknowledged that while no one can predict how this Champions League campaign will unfold, the win and the considerable goal difference are crucial for their confidence moving forward.

“Nobody knows how this Champions League will work, but it is always good to have a good goal difference and we were able to win by a wide margin after the defeat in the first round,” said the manager.

However, Flick was not completely satisfied with the performance. He emphasized that while the team started well, they did not reach the level of intensity and sharpness he expected.

“We started well, but not as well as I would like. We have to start stronger, be better with our passes and improve the dynamic by playing as a team.

“But it was important to get the three points and we are satisfied. United like this, we can do great things.”

Individual mentions

Hansi Flick was impressed with Raphinha. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Raphinha’s excellent performance did not go unnoticed, as he was named the MVP of the match. But Flick was quick to shift the focus from individual praise to the collective effort, stressing that no player can shine without the support of the entire team.

“He played very well, yes, but we cannot talk about one player alone, we must talk about the whole team, one cannot play well if the others do not do so,” he noted.

Regarding Ansu Fati’s playing time, Flick explained that Fati was brought on as an attacking midfielder to give Pedri a rest.

“It’s easy to understand. The position Ansu played in was because we wanted to give Pedri a rest and we thought De Jong had to play fewer minutes.

Ansu Fati’s progress was also highlighted, with Flick noting that the young forward is performing well in training. The coaching staff remains patient as they aim to help him regain his best form.

“Ansu is doing very well in training. He’s at a very high level. We need time for him to play at his best again. He really wants to improve, he’s very professional and he deserves our patience with him.”

On De Jong and Lewandowski

Robert Lewandowski always wants more. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The manager also spoke on Frenkie de Jong’s return, explaining, “he put on the shirt on the field again and felt good and played again. He has done a lot and has run well, he has shown good feelings in his return.”

Robert Lewandowski seemed slightly frustrated with being substituted, but Flick explained that Robert Lewandowski also wanted more game time, and substitutions were necessary to manage the squad.

“Robert also wanted to play more, but changes could be made today.”

Flick concluded by announcing that the players would enjoy two days of rest after a period of playing matches every three days. He confirmed that the team will not resume training until Friday, giving them a well-deserved break.

“The players will have two days off because they have earned it,” he concluded.

Source: Mundo Deportivo