Flick talks Joan Garcia, De Jong, Araujo, Lewandowski after Real Oviedo 1-3 Barcelona | OneFootball

FC Barcelona came back from a goal behind to defeat newly-promoted Real Oviedo 3-1 away at the Carlos Tartiere Stadium on Thursday night.

After going behind in the 33rd minute, the Blaugrana mounted a spirited fightback in the second half, with Eric Garcia equalising for them before Robert Lewandowski and Ronald Araujo secured the victory.

The result means Barça remain unbeaten in all competitions this season with six wins and a draw, and are two points behind Real Madrid in the La Liga standings.

Hansi Flick analyses victory

Speaking to the media after the game, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick discussed the team’s performance, highlighting how Frenkie de Jong, after coming on as a substitute at half-time, helped turn things around.

“He’s very important, just like Pedri. In the second half, we had more control and more rhythm in the game. That made the match more difficult for Oviedo,” said the Barcelona head coach.

Talking about the fact that Barcelona have now picked up four wins on a trot despite the absence of one of their most important players, Lamine Yamal, Flick remarked:

“It’s good for the team. We made the right decisions, and the team’s level has improved. But I think it shows we have a fantastic team.”

Lewandowski also made an impact after coming on as a substitute, and Flick hailed the veteran striker’s contribution, saying:

“It’s not just the starting eleven who play. Then there are substitutions, and the players who come on have to help change the dynamic. That’s what Lewandowski has done; and it’s important that he doesn’t just come on to score goals, but to help the team.”

The manager also spoke highly of Araujo, whose performances at the back seem to be improving, while he capped it off with a key goal.

“It wasn’t an easy match because Oviedo make good transitions, but we defended well. I’m also happy that he scored because I think it’s a step forward for his confidence, so that he believes in himself more,” said Flick.

Hansi Flick’s substitutions did the trick vs Oviedo. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

“Araujo has shown that he’s doing better than last season, but that’s normal. Inigo and Cubarsi played a lot of games together and knew what to do. Now we’re trying out different centre-back pairings and it’s good to have options.”

When asked about Spain manager Luis de la Fuente’s statement about him neither remembering nor caring what Flick had said regarding Lamine Yamal’s injury during the international break, the Barça coach curtly replied:

“Perfect. That’s his opinion, OK. Thank you.”

Prior to the press conference, Flick also spoke with Movistar+, where he discussed the style of play of his team and the result on the night.

“We are convinced of playing with the ball. Happy with the three points. Lewandowski and De Jong have been important. There were chances in the first half,” he said.

Regarding the mistake by goalkeeper Joan Garcia leading to Oviedo’s goal, Flick defended the summer arrival, saying:

“It was a mistake. That’s football. It’s a consequence of the way Barça play. He’s a fantastic goalkeeper, and he recovered well.”

On the team getting better on set-pieces, he added: “With very low blocks, it’s important to have that solution.”

Finally, on being asked who he would rather see the Madrid derby win this weekend, Flick replied: “I’ll be in front of the TV to watch it.”

Source: AS