Flick talks Lewandowski, Eric Garcia, Martin, Balde, Camp Nou experience after Barcelona 4-0 Athletic Club | OneFootball

After over a year at FC Barcelona, Hansi Flick finally got his first experience at the Spotify Camp Nou and his players delivered a memorable performance, securing a 4-0 victory over Athletic Club.

The German tactician, who was excited going into the Catalans’ first game at the renovated stadium after 909 days, saw his team step up to the occasion as Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres (x2), and Fermin Lopez scored while the returning Joan Garcia kept a clean sheet.

Hansi Flick speaks after the match

Following the triumphant homecoming, Hansi Flick spoke to DAZN in a flash interview, where he shared his thoughts on the historic occasion at Camp Nou and the victory to mark it.

“Of course I’m happy. Everything went well. We controlled the game and scored the goals at the right time,” said the Barcelona head coach.

On Joan Garcia’s return to the team and the clean sheet that was secured, Flick remarked: “Of course I’m happy with this, but the important thing is to win matches. How you win is also important, and today we did it very well.”

Talking about the performance of their opponents, Athletic Club, Flick acknowledged: “We knew they pressed high and were well-organised in our build-up play.

“We had chances to score more, but we know Athletic is a tough team. Sometimes everything goes your way, and today was one of those days.”

Flick also revealed the reason behind substituting Alejandro Balde at half-time, stating: “He’s fine. At the end of the break, we had to make a decision because he had a head injury.”

Press conference

Not much later, Flick appeared in front of the media for his post-match press conference, where he discussed in detail the performance of his Barcelona team.

“It was a special match for everyone. Coaches, players, fans. It was incredible. It wasn’t easy, but everything went well. We’re very happy to keep a clean sheet and score four goals. Three points, everything perfect,” said Flick.

On how it felt to coach Barcelona at the Spotify Camp Nou, Flick got emotional, as he said: “I had an incredible feeling during training. I was brought in from a third-division team, and I said that one day I wanted to sit on the Barça bench. I dreamed about it.”

Hansi Flick celebrates his Camp Nou bow with a win. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

“Everything is possible, and I told the team that. We have to play as a team. I’m very happy, and I also want to respect Athletic Club, with their magnificent coach. Today everything went very well.”

On what it meant sporting-wise to be back at Camp Nou, he added: “I think today was a first step. We felt the atmosphere, and with more fans it will be even more special. We’ll have to wait and see.”

Flick was full of praise for Eric Garcia, who started as the pivot today and put in a stellar performance that earned him a standing ovation from fans at Camp Nou.

“For a coach, it’s fantastic to have a player like him. We’ve been training with him in that position all week, and also with Gerard. Araújo has just come back from a long trip. I was certain that Eric could play in that position. I’m very happy with the level he’s showing.”

Regarding the Spaniard’s contract renewal, the manager added: “We are working on it. He has improved tremendously. He is at an incredible level.”

The manager also had words of praise for Lewandowski, who scored the first goal at the new Spotify Camp Nou, saying:

“He’s an important player. When he gets chances, he usually scores. It was key to score early to gain confidence. Over the last ten years, he’s been one of the best number nines. Age doesn’t affect him; he’s hungry and in good shape.”

Concluding, Flick explained his decision to deploy Gerard Martin as the left-sided centre-back, while also confirming that the defender will feature more prominently in that role moving forward.

“We’ll see him again, yes. He allows us to build, he’s played very well. When he’s on the pitch, we know what he’ll give us. We trust him one hundred percent. He’s worked very hard,” he said.

Source: AS