Flick talks Pedri, Lamine, De Jong, Rashford, Eric, Joan Garcia after Barcelona 3-1 Elche | OneFootball

Barcelona returned to winning ways on Sunday night with a solid 3-1 victory over Elche, and manager Hansi Flick appeared satisfied but far from complacent when he faced the media after the game. 

The German underlined that while the result was crucial, the team still has plenty of room for improvement.

Flick opened his post-match comments by emphasising the importance of the result, saying: “The most important thing is the three points.” 

He went on to admit that certain aspects of Barcelona’s game still require polishing. 

The Barcelona boss also touched on his side’s inefficiency in front of goal, expressing mild frustration at the missed opportunities: 

“I think we created a lot of chances and didn’t convert them all. If we had made better use of our chances, we would have ended up winning 6-2.”

Pedri’s absence was another topic that drew attention. The midfielder, injured after El Clásico, continues to be missed, but Flick lauded the squad’s response in his absence. Offering reassurance, the coach said, 

“Everyone knows Pedri is an excellent player and we want him in every match. Right now, we don’t have him and we have to manage it. 

“The players have done well. We have three more points and we have to keep going. Frenkie is at an incredible level. His performance is great in every match. 

“Having him in that position, as a number 8, and Casado, too… he also plays as a number 6.”

On Lamine, Fermin and Rashford

Lamine Yamal was on the scoresheet. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

On the condition of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who has been battling a groin problem, Flick took a cautious approach. “He has to manage his injury at the moment. 

“He’s training and undergoing treatment, which is a good step, but I can’t say that the injury is over. It’s going well, but it has to be managed.”

The German coach also made sure to praise Fermin Lopez for his creative spark and energy after the midfielder provided two assists on the night. Flick remarked, 

“Fermín and other players have done some very good things and others that need to be improved. 

“He has good momentum and has been involved in chances and goals.”

Marcus Rashford, who sealed the win with Barcelona’s third goal, also earned positive words from the manager. 

“One or two more goals would have been good for him. I’m happy with him, I know he can play at this level and he has proven that. He’s an important player.”

On Barcelona’s defence

Defender Eric Garcia was another standout performer, and Flick was quick to acknowledge his progress. 

Flick praised Eric Garcia. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

“He has taken a fantastic step forward. When we scored the third goal, I told him to stay positive. It’s great working with him.”

When asked about young goalkeeper Joan García’s recovery, Flick confirmed that the shot-stopper would not feature in the upcoming Champions League fixture against Club Brugge but is closing in on a return. 

He added, “We expected him to return for the first match after the break. He is progressing very well.”

The coach concluded by offering encouragement to Marc Bernal, who has impressed in training. 

“He’s always an option to come on. He’s improved a lot in training. He needs minutes and we’ll give them to him,” he concluded.

Source: Mundo Deportivo