Hansi Flick talks Inigo Martinez, Pedri, Gil Manzano, Raphinha after Barcelona 1-1 Real Betis | OneFootball

FC Barcelona were unable to maintain their winning streak as they could only muster a 1-1 draw against Real Betis in La Liga last night.

With Real Madrid’s defeat at the hands of Valencia, it was a good opportunity for the Catalans to put a killing blow to the league race. However, even a draw meant the Blaugranes have extended their lead over their main rivals in La Liga to four points.

As SPORT has reported, Hansi Flick also took an optimistic view of this draw as he spoke to the press and the media after the game.

The German coach also expressed his happiness with the overall performance of the team:

“I told the players that there’s one game less and one more point. We gave everything and couldn’t do more. We weren’t lucky in front of goal. I’m happy with what I saw in the second half.”

“Right now, I’m holding on to the positives. We have one more point, it’s April, and we’re in a good position.”

Talking about his celebration with Gavi after his goal, the German tactician said:

“For me, it’s very important — everything we’ve built is exceptional. Not just the team, but the coaching staff as well. This is a family, and it’s beautiful to see.”

Further analysing the game, the Barcelona coach admitted his team made mistakes in the first half:

“I think there’s one game less to play and we’ve got one more point. Of course, in the first half we made too many mistakes, but in the second we created big chances and it was much better. We tried to get a better result. I’m happy with that and I’m feeling positive after seeing the second half. We all wanted to win, but we take a point more.”

Flick expressed his satisfaction with how the team has been playing in such a hectic schedule:

“We all have our feet on the ground, and I’m happy that in the second half we gave it everything… We’re very proud of what the players have done in the last ten days. The situation is excellent and I’m happy with the team.”

Real Madrid also dropped points but the German made it clear that he was not concerned with Ancelotti’s team:

“Not winning is part of the game, we accept that… Of course, three points would have been better and would’ve brought us closer to La Liga, but I don’t care what happens in Madrid. What matters to me is Barça, and we’re only focused on ourselves.”

The Barcelona trainer provided an update on Inigo Martinez:

“He’ll train on Monday and be ready to play on Wednesday.”

Pedri was subbed out early in the second half and Flick explained why he substituted such an important player:

“I subbed him off because he plays everything, like Balde and De Jong. We have to take care of all of them, and that’s why I made the changes — mostly for physical reasons rather than tactical, although there was a bit of that too, like putting Gavi in Pedri’s position, where he’s improving a lot.”

Hansi Flick did not want to talk about the referee Gil Manzano’s performance:

“I don’t want to say anything about the refereeing, it’s not good to talk about it.”

Lastly, the German coach joked that Raphinha’s anger at the end of the game was not aimed at the referee but at himself:

“He was mad at me.”

There is definitely a lot of logic in Flick’s view that this draw only means one less game in La Liga and a lead of one more point. Still, fans would be feeling they could have ended the league race tonight with a win. But for now, Barcelona will have to focus their attention on the UCL, as they face Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals on Wednesday.