Hansi Flick talks Pedri, Fermin, Yamal, Rashford, Eric Garcia after Barcelona 3-1 Elche | OneFootball

FC Barcelona earned a crucial 3–1 victory over Elche on Sunday evening, a result that keeps the team firmly in the La Liga title race. The match, played at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, saw moments of dominance from the Blaugranas, especially in the opening stages, where their pressing and quick transitions set the tone.

Although Elche attempted to respond with spells of possession, Barcelona’s attacking rhythm and pressing proved decisive in securing a crucial home victory. The win leaves Barça second in the league table, five points behind leaders Real Madrid.

Following the full-time whistle, as highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, Hansi Flick expressed both satisfaction and self-criticism when speaking to the press after the game.

The German coach was pleased with the result but admitted that his team still needs to polish several aspects of their play to reach the consistency he expects:

“I saw many things we did very well and others that weren’t so good. We need to improve in certain situations. We faced a rival that wanted to keep possession, and it wasn’t easy. We wanted to press them early, and we did — we scored two goals.”

The Barcelona boss praised his team’s high pressing early in the game, which allowed them to score two quick goals. However, he regretted the lack of finishing in front of the goal:

“I think we created many chances but didn’t convert all of them. If we had taken them better, we could have finished 6–2.”

Flick was also asked about the absence of Pedri, who remains sidelined after suffering an injury in El Clásico. The coach praised how the squad adapted without one of its key playmakers:

“Everyone knows Pedri is an excellent player, and we want him in every game. Now that we don’t have him, we must manage it. The players did well. We have three more points, and we must keep going. Frenkie is at an incredible level — his performances are excellent in every match. Having him as an 8, and Casadó as a 6, works very well.”

The German coach gave an update on Lamine Yamal, who continues to manage a pubalgia issue:

“He must manage his injury carefully. He’s training and receiving treatment, which is a good step forward, but I can’t say the problem is over. He’s doing well, but it has to be managed.”

Speaking about Fermin Lopez, who provided two assists in the game, Flick was full of praise but maintained his usual tone of measured optimism:

“Fermín and other players have done some very good things and others that need improvement. He’s in a good rhythm and has contributed in attack and goals.”

Flick also commended Marcus Rashford, who scored Barcelona’s third goal, noting that the English forward continues to grow in confidence:

“One or two more goals would’ve been nice for him. I’m happy with him — I know he can play at this level, and he proved it. He’s an important player.”

Finally, the German coach had special words for Eric Garcia, who showed strong leadership and composure in defense:

“He’s taken a fantastic step forward. When we scored the third goal, I told him to stay positive. Working with him is great.”

Flick confirmed that Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia, who is close to completing his recovery, will not be available for the upcoming Champions League clash against Club Brugge. The German coach also revealed that Marc Bernal has improved significantly in training and will soon get playing time.

In addition, Flick shared that he had spoken with Hector Fort to check on his condition, as well as that of Inaki Pena, with both players currently plying their trade for Elche on loan.

With this victory, Barcelona remain second in the La Liga standings with 25 points, five behind leaders Real Madrid. Flick now turns his attention to the midweek Champions League fixture against Club Brugge and the weekend test vs Celta Vigo before the international break.