Flick talks Fermin, Lamine, Rashford, Dro, El Clasico after Barcelona 6-1 Olympiacos | OneFootball

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick was full of admiration for Fermin Lopez, who stole the spotlight with a stunning hat-trick in Barça’s 6-1 victory over Olympiacos. 

The German coach expressed how delighted he was with both the performance and the result, believing it will give the team great confidence heading into Sunday’s El Clasico against Real Madrid. 

Flick preferred not to comment on the referee’s decisions but made it clear that his team’s focus remains on improving with each match.

After the emphatic win, Flick was quick to single out Fermin’s brilliance, praising his energy and finishing touch. 

“Fermin put in a great performance. Three goals, the first one was very important to open the scoring. 

“He’s a player who has it all: he’s dynamic and we need his speed too,” the coach said.

Confidence boost ahead of El Clasico

Lamine Yamal will be fully ready for the El Clasico. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Flick admitted that the result comes at a perfect time, with Barcelona preparing for one of the most crucial fixtures of the season at the Santiago Bernabeu. 

“The first thing is that we won today, which is the important thing, and that has to give us confidence for that game. It’s a huge game.

“There’s not much time to waste. We’re going to recover, and we have to be ready,” he said.

Providing an update on young star Lamine Yamal, Flick reassured fans that the winger is fit and ready for Madrid. 

“He has no physical problems. For him and for everyone, it’s an important victory. On Sunday, he’ll be another Lamine, and he will be at 100 percent. 

“Last year, he performed very well in the big games, and I have no doubt he’ll do it again.”

The manager also underlined the importance of the entire squad ahead of the big clash. 

“El Clasico is a very important game, but not just for Lamine, for the whole team. We have to prepare well for this game.”

Despite Barça’s dominance over Madrid last season, Flick insisted that the past no longer matters. 

“That’s in the past. We’re in a different situation now, but I’m optimistic. I think we can win in Madrid. 

“We have a great team, we’ll have two or more players back, and we have time to rest and prepare for the game,” he said.

On Mendilibar, Rashford and Dro

Rashford scored a brace against Olympiacos. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

When asked about Olympiacos manager Jose Luis Mendilibar’s complaints regarding refereeing, Flick refused to be drawn into the debate. 

“That’s not my problem. I see it differently, but I’m not going to get into it. I don’t know how the decisions changed the game. 

“We have to play on the pitch. There are situations for and against. I understand why he’s angry,” he explained.

The German tactician also took time to praise other standout performers. 

“For me, Rashford is performing very well and is an important player for the team. He won a penalty, which I thought was a penalty, and scored two goals. 

“He’s very fast, combines very well, and as he gains confidence, he will become more important,” he said.

Youth talent Pedro ‘Dro’ Fernandez also caught Flick’s eye on his Champions League debut. 

“He did very well, he occupied the space he needed to occupy, he provided the assist for the second goal,” he said.

Lastly, when asked if Roony Bardghji could start in El Clasico, Flick kept his cards close to his chest. 

“There are still a few days to decide, but in any case, he is an option,” he concluded.

Source: Mundo Deportivo