Hansi Flick celebrated each of Barcelona’s five goals with unrestrained joy as Barça signed off at Mestalla with a commanding 5-0 victory. Reflecting on the spectacular win, the German coach said:
“It was a fantastic game, controlled from the very beginning. We dominated, and that’s what I want to see. I’m not surprised by what we did because it reflects the quality of our training. It was an almost perfect performance. You have to control the game and attack the spaces if you want to score. That’s what we tried to do.”
Asked about Barcelona scoring 17 goals without a traditional No. 9 in their first four league games, Flick played down the statistic and instead focused on the result:
“For me, it’s just about the three points. But we have quality on the pitch, there are spaces, and we can attack well against low blocks. It’s good to see. We were able to control the game, especially in these conditions with the temperature at 34 degrees. We’re happy.”
He added: “It doesn’t change our idea. We need a No. 9. I’m happy that Pedri also scored. Everyone who plays on the pitch can score goals. We make the most of the spaces and wait for the right moment to score.”
Despite Barcelona’s impressive start to the league campaign, Flick called for caution.
“The fans are with us. We play for them. We’ve made some good signings, but the players are very hungry and they’re young. This is only the beginning, and it’s a long road.”
Before praising several of his players individually, Flick also offered a touch of self-criticism, calling for the team to be slightly less direct.
“I don’t know if it’s necessary to say this after a 5-0 win, but we can always do better. We have to try to control the game better with more passes. There are many games ahead, and we always have to manage our energy.”
Flick also praised Lamine Yamal for his commitment and willingness to play despite not training fully with the team the previous day.
“Yesterday he trained separately from the group, but this morning we spoke and he told me he could play. He was involved in the defensive pressing, very connected with the team, and that’s very good.”
Rodri Hernández was another player to receive plenty of praise from Flick, although the Barcelona coach was also keen to highlight Marc Bernal’s contribution.
“Everything Rodri does makes sense. It’s exciting. Not only on the pitch, but also in the dressing room. He’s a true leader. Marc Bernal is also doing a good job. He will get opportunities and will keep improving thanks to this signing.”
After Fermín López produced an outstanding performance, Flick praised the midfielder while also pointing out an area where he can improve.
“You can see what kind of player he is by what he does both around and outside the box. He’s always pressing, he’s good with the ball and without it, and he scores goals. His strength is his intensity, although he does make some mistakes. But he’s doing a fantastic job.”
Flick was also pleased with the attitude shown by the entire squad, singling out Dani Olmo, who provided two assists.
“There are many players who can play, and I have to manage that. It’s not easy for a player to be a substitute, but in football everything can change. I’m happy for Dani and for the way he came off the bench. He’s very intelligent. We always try to make the best decisions for the team.”
As for the three yellow cards picked up by Pau Cubarsí, Rodri and Fermín López, Flick felt they were justified.
“The first one, Cubarsí’s, was one he had to make. We have to accept it, and the referee, Díaz de Mera, had a great game.”