Barcelona finally regained some breathing room in the UEFA Champions League, and Hansi Flick made sure to underline just how significant the2-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt truly was. After a fru...
Barcelona finally regained some breathing room in the UEFA Champions League, and Hansi Flick made sure to underline just how significant the2-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt truly was.
After a frustrating draw with Club Brugge and a painful defeat to Chelsea, this performance arrived with both pressure and expectation attached.
Flick acknowledged all of that as he analysed the night, offering a calm but confident assessment of what his team delivered.
The manager began by highlighting the collective control Barça showed over the 90 minutes. He expressed his satisfaction clearly when he said,
“I’m happy. We’ve won three very important points, but above all because we controlled the game. It wasn’t easy,” he began saying as quoted by MARCA.
Flick then expanded on how impressed he was with the way his squad followed the match plan, adding context to the tactical discipline on display.
“I’m proud because the team knew how to do what needed to be done. I congratulate my entire staff for their pre-match analysis,” he said.
On Lamine Yamal’s substitution
One of the big talking points was Lamine Yamal’s withdrawal. Flick provided clarity on the decision, revealing that it was more precautionary than punitive.
Lamine Yamal was taken off towards the end. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)
He explained the emotional state of the young winger, saying, “He was a little disappointed, but he had a yellow card and we needed fresh legs.
“It’s not a problem. That’s just how it is. I understand him. Everyone wants to play and he thinks he can play 100 minutes.
“He’s young. It’s a good attitude. I have no problem with that. I was a player too. I accept it.”
Jules Kounde’s impact
Jules Kounde’s unexpected brace changed everything, and Flick didn’t hide his delight. Offering context on Kounde’s mentality and influence, he stated,
“I didn’t expect it. His mentality is important for us. But I’m very happy. We have the space we needed.
“They know what to do. I also congratulate my staff, who did a good job. I’m happy we came back.”
Despite the win, Barcelona still sit outside the top eight of the Champions League standings, but Flick insisted his focus remains internal. He stressed this point by saying,
“I haven’t looked at it. Right now, I’m not interested in that. We have to focus on ourselves and on getting six more points than we have now.
“Of course, goal difference is important. We’re taking it game by game.”
He also reminded everyone of the difficulty of the competition, adding, “It’s not easy to play in the Champions League. All the opponents hurt you. They fight.
“It’s the top competition in Europe and perhaps the world.”
Changes in midfield
Jules Kounde scored a brace. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)
Flick also touched on his midfield reshuffle at the interval, explaining the reasoning behind the tactical change. Offering context on Raphinha’s role, he said,
“We made the change at half-time. We wanted to change things up.
“Raphinha was everywhere, he was all over the place, and I don’t know if that was a good thing, but he has intensity.”
And finally, as the noise inside the Spotify Camp Nou returned to its familiar intensity, Flick made sure to acknowledge the supporters’ influence.
With visible emotion, he concluded, “It’s great to play here. It’s fantastic when the fans cheer us on. They give us that extra five percent.”
Category: General Sports
