Hansi Flick talks Raphinha, Rashford, Kounde, Yamal after Barcelona 2-1 Eintracht Frankfurt | OneFootball

FC Barcelona resumed their UEFA Champions League campaign last night as they hosted the Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt at the Spotify Camp Nou.

After a draw against Club Brugge and the loss to Chelsea, the Blaugranes returned to winning ways in the competition as they beat the Germans 2-1.

Hansi Flick was naturally quite happy with this result, and he positively assessed his team’s performance as he talked to the press after the match.

As Mundo Deportivo has reported, Flick highlighted how difficult it was to win this game, and also mentioned one aspect that he wanted to see from his team:

“I am happy. We have won three very important points, but above all because we controlled the match. It was not easy. They defended very deep without leaving many spaces, and we were able to create chances. In the Champions League, it is never easy. I am proud because the team knew how to do what was required. I congratulate my entire staff for the prior analysis.”

“On the one hand, I am happy that we always come back. It says a lot about our mentality, attitude, and competitiveness, but it would be good to score one or two goals earlier.”

The German coach highlighted what he is aiming for from the rest of the league phase of the UCL:

“Now we have to get six more points. We must focus on ourselves. We have to play at this level, and that is what I want to see.”

Barcelona have only a +3 goal advantage in this UCL campaign, but this was not something bothering the Blaugrana coach too much:

“Of course, we have to pay attention to those things, but the important thing is to get those next six points.”

Flick also opened up on the roles of Raphinha and Marcus Rashford in this match:

“The approach from Eintracht did not surprise me. I told my players to forget the previous match (6–0 in Leipzig) because they are a good team. In the first half, Raphinha was everywhere, and maybe that was not the best option, but his attitude is good.”

“In the second half, we adjusted a few things, and Marcus was important in giving us width and stretching the lines. We scored two goals from set pieces, but that is also part of the game.”

The German coach admitted that he was surprised by Jules Kounde’s positioning, as the Frenchman scored both goals for his team:

“I didn’t expect Koundé to show up like that, but that is football too. His mentality is very important for us.”

Lamine Yamal did not appear to be too happy about being subbed out in the final minutes of the game, but the Barcelona coach dispelled any controversy regarding this aspect:

“He was a little disappointed, but he was on a yellow card, and I needed fresh legs. He is Lamine and that’s how he is. I understand it completely because everyone wants to stay on the pitch and play 90 or 100 minutes. I also see it as a good attitude. I was a player before too. Maybe I didn’t express it like Lamine and my level was different, but I accept it.”

With this win, Barcelona have a chance of making it directly to the Round of 16. But for now, the team will be focused on their upcoming game against Osasuna in La Liga, where they will be looking to build further upon their 4-point advantage.