Flick talks Lewandowski, De Jong, Pedri, tactics after Celta Vigo 2-4 Barcelona | OneFootball

Barcelona cut down the gap to league leaders Real Madrid on Sunday night with a crucial 4-2 win over Celta Vigo away at Balaidos.

A hat-trick from Robert Lewandowski on his return to the starting XI, coupled with a goal from Lamine Yamal, secured the three points for the reigning champions despite Celta’s best efforts to mount a comeback.

The win did come at some cost for Barça as they lost Frenkie de Jong to a red card late in the game, while Marc Casado’s injury before kickoff also adds to the concerns.

Speaking to the media after the match, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick analysed the team’s win, insisting that they were on the right track.

“We played a good game with the ball and in the second half we defended better,” said the German tactician.

On whether this can be the turning point for the team, given the way they performed in terms of their defending and off-the-ball pressing, especially in the second half, he added:

“That’s how football always works. What you did before doesn’t matter. The second half gives us confidence for the upcoming matches. We’re only focused on ourselves. Today we pressed well and I’m happy for the team.”

Talking about all the noise and criticism aimed at him and his team about their style of play and the high-pressure and high-defensive line tactics he uses, Flick remarked:

“It’s important to say things, but I won’t. There’s too much noise around us. Let’s hope the injured players return. We’ve improved, and we’re on the right track. We’ll analyse today’s match, because we didn’t do everything perfectly either.”

Happy with the performance. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

Flick was also full of praise for Lewandowski, praising his attitude since returning from injury.

“It’s too early to decide. After the injury, I’ve seen a different, more positive Lewandowski; he’s returned ahead of schedule. It’s great that he’s scored three goals, which shows his confidence. Last season he was very important for us,” he said.

De Jong’s sending-off means he will now be suspended for Barcelona’s next league game vs Athletic Club after the international break. On the matter, Flick noted:

“He had a great game, he controlled the match. He’s very important for us. He’s playing at an incredible level. It’s not good that he’ll miss the next game; we’ll have to manage it. We’ll see if Pedri can return.”

As for the impending international break itself, Flick stated that he hopes all his players can return without any physical problems, given how things went in the last two windows.

“It’s always better to go into a break with a win. I hope everyone comes back healthy from the break,” he stated.

Regarding the title race, with Barcelona now three points behind Real Madrid, Flick commented:

“It’s what I said before. We’re focused on ourselves. We’ve started pressing well again, and that’s why I’m very happy. It’s great to win before the break.”

Source: AS