Flick talks Rodri, Raphinha, Espart, Gordon, Alvarez, UCL draw after Barcelona 2-0 Athletic Club | OneFootball

Hansi Flick was pleased with far more than Barcelona’s 2-0 victory over Athletic Club at the Spotify Camp Nou, with the German coach using his post-match press conference to highlight a debut that had the home crowd on its feet.

Rodri’s introduction was one of the standout moments of the evening. 

The new arrival received a warm ovation as he stepped onto the pitch, and Flick made no attempt to hide his belief that the midfielder can become an important fit for Barcelona.

“Everyone is happy that Rodri is playing with us. He’s the perfect player for us, for our style. Bernal also had a fantastic game,” Flick said.

Adding to his thought, the manager said, “I’m not surprised by how excited people are about Rodri. 

He’s the perfect player for us and our style of play. But Bernal has also been very good.”

While Rodri’s arrival dominated much of the attention, Barcelona’s performance against Athletic also gave Flick plenty of other positives to take from a convincing night.

Raphinha earns Flick’s praise

Raphinha opened the scoring for Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

One of the biggest talking points from the Barcelona vs Athletic Club clash was Raphinha’s role through the middle.

Asked whether the Brazilian could be Barcelona’s best option at number nine, Flick refused to make a definitive judgment after one match. 

Instead, he focused on what Raphinha brought to the team’s overall approach.

“We don’t know. For this match, yes. For me, it’s important that when we have Raphinha or any other number 9, we can stick to our game plan. 

“Because of his pressing, his movement, his runs off the ball, the goal.”

Raphinha’s contribution was not defined by his position alone, with his work without the ball and his connection with the fans also earning special recognition from his manager.

“For me, it doesn’t matter what position he plays. He connects with the fans. He’s very good, and I see lots of players getting involved. 

“We’ve got a great atmosphere in the squad, and that’s essential for us.”

Flick impressed by Espart and Gordon

Flick also singled out Xavi Espart for praise after another encouraging display, particularly highlighting the youngster’s ability to adapt on the left.

“I’m really impressed by what I’m seeing; I’m even surprised by how well he’s playing on the left. He’s very good. 

Xavi Espart earned praise from Hansi Flick. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

“He’s a technically gifted player; he’s also very good in one-on-one situations, both offensively and defensively. And, like everyone else, he has room for improvement.”

Anthony Gordon was another player to receive positive words from the Barcelona manager, although Flick was careful to stress that the new signing is still finding his feet.

“I’ve seen the same as everyone else. He’s been intense and quick. He’s only just arrived and has the potential to improve.”

Flick shuts down Julian Alvarez questions

If Flick was happy to discuss his own players, he was considerably less interested in being drawn into speculation surrounding Julian Alvarez.

The Barcelona manager made his position clear when questioned about the Argentine.

“I don’t want to talk about this. He’s not one of our players, and I don’t want to comment. It’s not my problem.”

He was asked again and gave an equally firm response.

“I don’t want to talk about Julian. I’m not involved in these matters; my job is to prepare the team.”

For Flick, the focus remains on the football in front of him, which was also his approach when discussing Barcelona’s Champions League draw. 

While acknowledging the appeal of returning to Europe’s biggest competition, he stressed the importance of the team’s start.

“I want to focus on today’s match. We know our opponents. It’s fantastic – we’ll be playing in the Champions League, and the most important thing is how we get off to a start,” he concluded.

Source: AS