Flick talks Yamal, Bernal, De Jong, Tommy Marques and more after Barcelona 3-0 Mallorca | OneFootball

Barcelona maintained their winning momentum in La Liga, securing a comfortable 3-0 victory over Mallorca.

In a game where Barcelona were missing Raphinha and Pedri due to injury, goals from Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski and Marc Bernal ensured all three points for Hansi Flick’s men.

Speaking to the media after the game, Flick offered his thoughts on Barcelona’s performance, particularly in the first half, where the team wasn’t as potent.

What Flick said after Mallorca win

Flick was quick to highlight the growing trend of Barcelona starting out games slowly before making an impact in the second half.

“Today was similar. I wasn’t happy with the first half, and in fact, I think we didn’t play to our usual standard or our usual passing rhythm. But hey, it was a good day because we scored three goals and got three points,” he said.

Flick then revealed his half-time message to the players, as he asked the players themselves if they were satisfied with the performance.

“I asked them if they were satisfied with the first half and they said no. And that’s how it was. And then, we proved it. We talked about things we needed to improve. Positioning, passing quality. We didn’t play like Barça in the first half. Then, we were ourselves,” he added.

The German tactician, though, was delighted with Marc Bernal’s goal, as it was a major confidence-booster for a midfielder who had struggled with injuries.

“Well. You could see it on the bench. Everyone stood up and celebrated. It was an incredible moment for him, a dream come true. For him, it’s another step on his path to reaching the top,” he said.

Bernal’s goal was a real confidence-booster for the player. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

Bernal wasn’t the only academy player who stole the limelight, as this game marked the first-team debut for Tommy Marques, who appeared as a late substitute.

In light of Marques’ debut, Flick was notably asked about giving first-team debuts to ten academy players during his time in charge so far.

“This is our path and our philosophy. It’s good for the club and for La Masia. We respect the work they do in the youth academy. Tommy has a lot of potential; you can already see it. We’re happy he had his first minutes with Barça,” he said.

“He could be De Jong’s little brother (laughs). It’s a dream for him too. He can play as a defensive midfielder, a central midfielder, a defensive midfielder. Even as a right centre-back. And that’s what I like and love,” he added.

Flick, for his part, though, received a yellow card for complaining to the refs during a set-piece, arguing that Mallorca players were ahead of the wall’s markings.

“There was no reason for him to give me a yellow card. The Mallorca players were ahead of the wall’s markings, and in my opinion, it was a penalty on Lamine. That’s what I told the referee,” he said.

Yamal was also asked about Lamine Yamal, who was taken off during the final stretch of the game, with Roony Bardghji replacing him.

Flick revealed that Yamal’s substitution was a precaution as he wanted to manage the winger’s game-time better.

“We need to manage Lamine’s minutes. I know he’s enjoying it. He wasn’t at his best in the first half, but he was much better in the second. He’s fantastic. I asked him if he wanted me to substitute him, and he said yes,” he said.

Lamine Yamal scored once again for Barcelona. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

Finally, the Barcelona coach was asked about Marc Casado receiving more game time than usual. He notably revealed that Casado was going to start this game regardless of de Jong’s fitness.

“We have a lot of matches and we have fantastic professionals. He deserved to play too. Frenkie wasn’t feeling quite right, so I decided he should rest. But he would have started whether De Jong was there or not.

“The important thing is that everyone steps up. I’m happy because that’s the foundation of success. If you train at 100%, then you can play at a high level in competition,” he concluded.

Source: Diario AS