Flick talks Lamine, Rodri, Bernal, Fermin, Olmo, Cubarsi after Valencia 0-5 Barcelona | OneFootball

Hansi Flick was all smiles as Barcelona produced a commanding 5-0 victory over Valencia at Mestalla, with the coach celebrating each of his side’s five goals with unrestrained joy.

The result was exactly the kind of performance Flick wants from his Barcelona team.

 They controlled the contest from the opening stages, dominated possession and repeatedly found spaces against Valencia’s defensive shape.

“It was a fantastic match, controlled from the start,” Flick said. 

“We dominated, and that’s what I want to see. I’m not surprised by what we did because it’s the quality you train for.

“It was an almost perfect match. You have to control the game and attack the spaces to try and score. That’s what we tried to do.”

Flick refuses to overlook Barcelona’s number 9 need

Barcelona’s 17 goals across the first four matchdays have inevitably raised questions about whether the team actually needs a traditional centre-forward. 

Flick, though, refused to let the impressive statistic change his thinking.

“For me, it’s just the three points, but we have quality on the pitch, there are spaces, and we can attack well against deep-lying defences. 

Hansi Flick was content with the performance. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

“It is good to see that, and we’ve been able to control the match.

“It doesn’t change our approach. We need a ‘number 9’. I’m pleased because Pedri has scored too. 

“Everyone on the pitch can score goals. We make the most of the spaces and wait for our chance to score,” he added.

Lamine Yamal’s contribution also pleased the manager. Despite training separately from the squad the previous day, the winger told Flick he was ready to play and scored two goals.

“Yesterday he trained separately from the group, but this morning we spoke, and he told me he could play. 

“He has been involved in the defensive pressing, very engaged, and that’s very good.”

Rodri, Fermin and Olmo impress Flick

Flick reserved particularly strong praise for Rodri, while also highlighting Marc Bernal’s progress.

“Everything Rodri does makes sense. It’s exciting. Not just on the pitch, but in the dressing room too. 

“He’s a true leader, and Marc Bernal is also doing a good job. He will get his chances and will keep improving more and more thanks to this signing.”

Fermin Lopez played a fantastic game against Valencia. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Fermín Lopez was also praised after an energetic performance, although Flick identified room for improvement.

“We can see what sort of player he is from what he does inside and outside the box. He’s always pressing, he’s good with and without the ball, and he scores goals. 

“His strength is his intensity, but he does make a few mistakes, although he’s performing fantastically.”

Dani Olmo’s impact from the bench, including two assists, earned further recognition. Flick added,

“There are plenty of players who can play, and I have to manage that. It’s not easy for a player to be on the bench, but in football everything can change. 

“I’m happy for Dani, for how he’s come off the bench. He’s very intelligent. We always try to make the best decisions for the team.”

Lastly, Flick also accepted the three yellow cards shown to Pau Cubarsi, Rodri and Fermín.

“The first one, the one for Cubarsi, was a fair call. We have to accept it, and the referee had a great game,” he concluded.

Source: Mundo Deportivo