Hansi Flick talks Joan Garcia, Araujo, Cancelo, Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez after Barcelona 1-0 Rayo Vallecano | OneFootball

Barcelona wrapped up their final game ahead of the international break with a 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday afternoon and ensured that they head into the hiatus with their lead intact irrespective of the result in the Madrid derby.

Ronald Araujo was the team’s only goalscorer on the afternoon as he netted a stunning header off a set-piece.

The team managed to defend that lead until the very end, although only with massive help from Joan Garcia who put in another stunning shift.

Flick’s interview

Speaking to the media after the game, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick opened up on a number of topics revolving around the team’s performance and began by praising Joan Garcia for his stellar show.

“This is why we signed Joan García. Clean sheet today, that is all his work.”

Flick spoke on the Fermin-Olmo competition. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

He also praised Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez and explained the difference between the two players in his eyes.

“The difference between Dani Olmo and Fermín is that Dani can provide better control, and he’s a weapon near the box.”

“Fermín is more dynamic and intense, we saw that in the match against Newcastle and we saw that today too. Of course, I’m very happy with both,” he added.

Speaking on what the result meant to the team ahead of the international break, Flick said,

“It’s definitely a very important win. I think this win just before the break is fantastic.”

“It was a very tough match for us because Rayo put on an excellent performance,” he added.

He then opened up on Barcelona’s style of play and how it was vital for a good team to excel in all aspects of the game.

“Here in Barcelona we always talk about the style of play, so we can always say that we can improve.”

“At the moment, set pieces are very important in football. We see it in the Premier League, every match. We are happy to say we have improved in that aspect,” he added.

Flick’s press conference

After his brief touchline interaction, the manager spoke to the media in the press conference where he revealed how it was not right to dig too deep into the team’s aesthetics on the field given the hectic schedule.

“1-0 is 3 points too. We didn’t play our best game, but they were fantastic and we’re happy to win here.”

“It’s unbelievable the amount of games we have played since January. When you look at it that way, I am very happy with my team’s performance,” he added.

When asked about his forwards’ inability to score on the afternoon, Flick defended his players saying,

“I can’t speak with the performances from my strikers. Against Newcastle, it was another story, no?”

“Of course, we played better on Wednesday, but we needed to sub in players for fresh legs,” he added.

Praising Rayo Vallecano’s manager for the work he is doing with the team, the Barcelona manager said,

“Iñigo (Rayo manager) is really doing a fantastic job. I want to congratulate him.”

“Intense team, playing a high pressing style and very good football. Congrats to him. He has a very good team,” he added.

On the defence and the goalkeeper

Joan Garcia was Barcelona’s most impressive player against Rayo Vallecano. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The manager then began speaking about individual players at the back and their performances, beginning with Joan Garcia.

“Joan García was incredible today. This is why he got called up to the National team. We’re happy for him, he deserves it.”

On Ronald Araujo who scored the team’s only goal on the night, he said,

“I think that today Ronald Araujo showed stability at the back, and he can get more confidence with the goal he scored. I’m very happy for him.”

“Also he loves to play in the national team, and with this call-up, he will come back in a positive mood,” he added.

He then spoke on the other full-back, Joao Cancelo, saying,

“I’m really happy with Joao Cancelo and his performances. He did really well.”

“He’s not injured, but it was incredible to see how tired he was but he kept on playing until we could finally sub him out,” he added, confirming no injury to the star.

Flick also showered praise on the centre-backs Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin who have struck up good chemistry.

“Gerard and Cubarsí are doing an unbelievable job at centre backs.”

Finally, he commented on the difficult injury situation in defence and how his team’s performance was commendable in the circumstances.

“Jules out, Balde out, Christensen out, De Jong out, Eric out… at the end, this is what we have. Normally these players are very important for us.”

On the team’s objectives and Marc Bernal

Towards the end of his interview, the German tactician spoke on Barcelona’s objective in the upcoming games after the international break.

“We have to improve for the next game and for the next 2 months.”

“Our goals are very high, very big, and we have to improve.”

Finally, he gave his two cents on Marc Bernal and his form, saying,

“Bernal can improve, and he will, but his performances are fantastic.”

“He knows exactly which spaces to occupy, and also helps us a lot in the build-up. He’s a very smart player,” he added.

Source: Diario AS