Hansi Flick talks Yamal, December, Raphinha, Ferran, Lewandowski, Frenkie after Barcelona win over Mallorca | OneFootball

FC Barcelona were finally able to get a victory in La Liga, as they emerged victorious in a hard-fought encounter against Mallorca at the Son Moix. Although the Blaugranes got a 5-1 victory in this game, Mallorca still gave them quite a hard time for the most part of the match.

Naturally, Hansi Flick was quite happy with this win, and this happiness was evident as he spoke to the press after the tie.

As SPORT has reported, the German was quite clear that Barcelona deserved to win on the night:

“It was very important to win this match. In the first half, we had many chances and could have scored one or two more goals. Then we made a mistake, which cost us the 1-1. We’re very happy; we deserved these three points. We created chances and scored.”

The Barcelona coach recognized that Lamine Yamal’s presence helped his team get this win, but also gave credit to the rest of the team:

“Today, he could have scored in the first half. He’s very important and can create a lot for the team. We know his quality, and we need him. But it wasn’t just him who played well. I always highlight the center-backs—it’s not easy with our style of play.”

Pedri in midfield, Rapha, Ferran who scored, Gavi who performed well when he came on, and Eric who returned, giving us more substitution options. Everyone contributed today, and I’m very pleased.”

Hansi Flick once again reiterated that after November’s end, December will prove to be a different month for Barcelona:

“As I mentioned yesterday during the press conference, we’re glad that the mess of November is over, and now December begins.”

This was the first match this season that the Blaugranes started without Robert Lewandowski on the pitch and Flick talked about his absence and his replacement:

“Of course, it’s important for Ferran to score goals. Lewandowski needed rest; we had to manage him carefully. When we’ve needed him, he’s been there, but today it wasn’t necessary for him to play. My plan yesterday wasn’t for him to be a substitute, but today I felt he needed rest. I also considered giving Raphinha a break, but he’s in excellent condition, as you’ve seen.”

The German trainer also revealed that the team had no penalty-taking hierarchy if Lewandowski is not present on the pitch:

“Without Lewandowski, whoever has the confidence can take the penalty, and Rapha did it. I don’t watch penalties; I look the other way—it’s an OCD thing.”

Barcelona once again had Mallorca getting caught offside several times with their highly effective trap, and the Flick also analyzed this aspect of the game:

“Offside decisions depend on the line, how the opponents are positioned, and how we play. We had many opportunities, and I believe the main chances were ours, not theirs. My team always gives everything, and today we did everything possible to take advantage of those opportunities.”

Further talking about offsides, Flick identified one aspect that he did not like in particular:

“I don’t understand why, if it’s a clear offside, we have to run back. That’s what I don’t like. But I don’t care about offsides; the important thing is the goals. Today, we scored five and they scored one.”

Lastly, Flick also recognized Frenkie de Jong’s impact on this game after coming on in the second half:

“He contributed a lot to the team. He is an excellent player and also adds value to the team in attack. Today, he played in the ’10’ position and made a significant impact.”