Flick talks Raphinha, Pedri, Olmo, Bernal, Joan Garcia, Gerard Martin after Barcelona 3-1 Alaves | OneFootball

FC Barcelona climbed to the No. 1 spot in the La Liga standings today after defeating Deportivo Alaves 3-1 at the Spotify Camp Nou.

Having conceded very early in the game, the reigning champions fought their way back into the contest as Lamine Yamal scored the equaliser before two goals from Dani Olmo secured all three points for them.

The victory was a great way for Barcelona to celebrate the 126th anniversary of the club being formed. Now, they will be hoping to see Real Madrid drop points when they take on Girona on Sunday night.

Hansi Flick’s immediate reaction

Speaking to the broadcasters immediately after the final whistle, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick was delighted with the impact made by Raphinha, who started for the first time after two months out with injury.

“Raphinha is a player who gives us dynamism in our play. We’ve missed him, and for me, he’s important because he brings a lot of intensity. When he starts pressing, everyone is ready to join in,” said the German tactician.

“It’s very important that he’s back, and he’ll be important in the upcoming matches. For now, I’m happy with the three points.”

When asked about his conversation with the Brazilian winger after the match, Flick revealed what they discussed, saying: “Basically, that we need to improve and we will improve in the next few games.”

Gerard Martin was once again deployed as a centre-back by Flick after last week’s league game vs Athletic Club. Explaining the move, the manager noted:

“He gives you what you expect from him. He’s confident in that position. He’s another option at centre-back, and that’s a good thing for us.”

Talking about the team’s performance in the second half, where they showed plenty of heart but were unable to deliver the killer blow until the stoppage time, Flick remarked:

“Yes. I’m happy we won the three points, but we have to improve many things. Among other things, we had chances but didn’t finish them. And that’s what we need to improve.”

Flick’s press conference

Not long after, Flick appeared in front of the media for his post-match press conference, where he expressed his happiness about having Raphinha and Pedri back at his disposal again.

“I’m very happy with their return. Raphinha could only play 60 minutes, Pedri about 30. I’m happy with today’s match and how we managed it, although we still made some mistakes. The three points were the most important thing,” he said.

Pedri is back. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

On whether he thinks Pedri would be able to start against Atletico Madrid next Tuesday, Flick replied:

“We’ll see. We don’t have much time between the two matches. I asked him at the end of the game and he said he’s fine. Raphinha too. He brings great intensity to the team. I’m also very happy for Olmo; he’s scored two goals in a very difficult week.”

The Barcelona boss was also full of praise for Joan Garcia and went on to back the goalkeeper to break into the Spain setup sooner rather than later.

“It’s not up to me to answer that. Bringing someone new into the national team isn’t easy. It will surely come, but it’s not my responsibility,” he said.

Regarding Marc Bernal, who made his first start in over a year, Flick noted: “He took an important step today. Playing 45 minutes is a first step. I have confidence in him. We need all the players. I’m happy about that.”

Providing an update on Eric Garcia’s condition after he had to be subbed off after receiving a blow to his face, the manager stated:

“He took a very painful blow, but he’s okay. He couldn’t play with that pain.”

Discussing the move to use Gerard Martin at centre-back, Flick elaborated: “The coaching staff is always thinking about how we can help the players improve, and I believe that a left-sided playmaker gives us more options.

“Gerard is very professional; he always works hard. I see him in the gym after training. He does what he has to do. I’m very happy to have him on the team.”

On the performance of Marc Casado, who started in midfield but was unable to impose himself, Flick stated: “We need him at his best. He’s intelligent and helps a lot in defence.”

The Barcelona head coach also touched on the red card shown to his staff members, Marcus Sorg and Jose Ramon de la Fuente, in the second half, saying:

“I haven’t had time to speak with Marcus and De la Fuente. I asked the fourth official what happened, and he didn’t tell me anything. We’re in the same business, and we have to manage this together.

“I felt there was a lack of communication with the fourth official, and I would have liked more. If he had told me to calm the players on my bench, I would have told him.”

When asked for the differences between the team from the last season and this one, Flick insisted:

“We don’t have the control and intensity we had last year. I don’t know if we have the same number of points now at matchday 14. We can improve in many other areas.”

“This season we’re having more injuries. Last year, everyone could play at the beginning, and we improved a lot,” he concluded.

Source: AS