‘We did what I wanted’ – Hansi Flick reacts after Barcelona thrash Valencia 6-0 at Estadi Johan Cruyff | OneFootball

FC Barcelona enjoyed giving their first thrashing of the 2025-26 season as they beat Valencia at the Estadio Johan Cruyff last night with a whopping 6-0 scoreline.

Naturally, Hansi Flick was very satisfied with his team’s performance in this game, especially considering all the important players that they were missing for this match. After the game, the German manager also expressed his satisfaction as he spoke to the press.

As Mundo Deportivo has reported, the German coach started by highlighting how the players responded to the instructions given to them:

“From the beginning, we did what I wanted, and I’m very happy — we focused on the work and on behaving like a team.”

The Barcelona head coach made it clear that not playing at the Camp Nou or Montjuic should not be an excuse:

“We know the situation, and there are no excuses. If we have to play here, we play here. Now it’s our stadium, and we have to win the matches.”

Flick was just as happy with the performances of the substitutes as he was with the starters:

“For me, it’s always about the team; that’s what we want to do. It’s the first of seven matches we need to win…  The starting eleven did well, but also everyone who came on. It’s a good start after the break.”

The Blaugrana trainer also highlighted Marc Bernal’s return after a lengthy spell on the sidelines:

“We saw how happy people were with his return after such a long journey. It’s a very good moment; he worked very hard, and we saw how the fans celebrated it. This team is incredible, the connection they have shows.”

While expressing his happiness on the win despite the absences, the German tactician also warned the team to keep in view the upcoming challenges:

“We played as a team. I’m happy. Lamine wasn’t there, nor was Frenkie or Balde. We must be ready for every match. Winning is good, but now we must focus on the next one, the Champions League against Newcastle.”

Fermin Lopez was one of the standout players in this game, but Flick did not want to highlight a particular player for praise:

“I’m happy he went through that situation, because now he can focus on football. Fermín played a great match, but so did the two centre-backs… everyone did very well.”

“We must keep calm. This was a big step for him, and that’s what I want to see every game. He’s aggressive recovering the ball, very good when he has it, and he has confidence. He can improve even more, so let’s stay calm. He’s doing phenomenally well.”

He reiterated his preference to credit the whole team when asked about Ferran Torres:

“I’m happy we have so much quality in that position. In the end, it’s about the team, not one specific player.”

Flick did not give a clear explanation when asked why Raphinha was missing from the starting eleven:

“Roony had a great training session. The mentality, as I said, is perfect. Only eleven can play, and everyone wants to. The attitude is perfect.”

Lastly, the German also addressed one of the issues that has kept him in the headlines, the criticism of RFEF for the handling of Lamine Yamal:

There is no doubt that this was a very encouraging win for Barcelona, and this comes at a perfect time as Hansi Flick is set to lead his team into the UEFA Champions League this midweek, with a match against Newcastle United.