Flick: Happy with Rafinha's Return, and We Must Improve Our Performance
Hans Flick, the head coach of Barcelona, expressed his happiness with the team's 3-1 victory over Deportivo Alavés in the fourteenth round of the Spanish league, confirming that the team still needs to improve some aspects despite securing the three points.
In his statements after the match, Flick said: "Rafinha always gives our play an important dynamism, he has great intensity, and when he starts pressing, he makes everyone press. He needs to improve in the upcoming matches, but it’s great that he is back."
The German coach continued talking about Rafinha and Pedri, saying: "I am very happy with their return, it was not easy to manage the minutes. Rafinha was able to play only 60 minutes, and Pedri 30 minutes. I am happy with the three points, but I am not satisfied with some situations because we lost many balls. Nevertheless, we managed the match well."
Flick added about Pedri’s readiness for the Atlético Madrid match: "We will see how tomorrow goes after recovery, time is tight, but Pedri is fine. I asked him, and Rafinha is also fine; he showed great dynamism and intensity. I am also happy with Dani Olmo, who has gone through difficult weeks and scored two goals today."
He continued regarding the red card incidents on the bench, saying: "I couldn’t talk with De La Fuente and Marcos, and I asked the fourth official but he said nothing. I was calm and communicated well with him. These situations must be managed with referees, but I felt communication was absent. I was respectful and only demanded an explanation."
Flick also praised the team player Gerard Martin, saying: "He always gives 100%, has great confidence in the center-back position, and provides us with additional options."
The German coach continued talking about the team’s performance: "In the first half, we had many chances to score, and also in the second half. We must improve, but I am happy to get the three points, and this is the level we can offer."
Regarding the call-up of goalkeeper Juan Garcia to the national team, he said: "This is not my decision. It is always difficult to include a new player, but he is one of the players with a great future. However, the decision is not mine."
He added about Marc Bernal: "What he showed today was an important step for him. He played 45 minutes, which is a first step that gives him confidence. We need everyone, and his development is very positive. I am happy for him."
Flick continued his statements about Eric Garcia’s condition, saying: "He felt pain after a blow he received. He is fine, but we decided to give him rest because he couldn’t play while suffering from this pain."
Regarding the difference between Barcelona this season and last season, he said: "We no longer have the same control or strength we had last season. I am not worried about last season; I have to focus on this season. This season, we have suffered more injuries, while last season I saw everyone ready. Our performance improved after every match and every win. This season is going well, with four consecutive victories, but we cannot be satisfied with that; we have to improve."
About Marc Casado: "It was not easy for him; he played in the 8 and 6 positions, and even as a center-back. He had to adapt. We have to take changes into account. He can improve, but I am happy with him. He gives us control in defense and links defense and attack. He is smart and intelligent, and we need him at his best."
He concluded his statements by talking about Dani Olmo: "I think everyone knows that Dani is a great player. Sometimes he wants more and wants to take the next step before the first. Maybe he overthinks, and I told him that. I advise him to enjoy the game because he is a great player. It is the best moment in a footballer's life when competing. He enjoyed it too. I tell everyone, enjoy the moment and be the best player possible, and that is what we want from him as well. Fans want to see players give their best."
In his statements after the match, Flick said: "Rafinha always gives our play an important dynamism, he has great intensity, and when he starts pressing, he makes everyone press. He needs to improve in the upcoming matches, but it’s great that he is back."
The German coach continued talking about Rafinha and Pedri, saying: "I am very happy with their return, it was not easy to manage the minutes. Rafinha was able to play only 60 minutes, and Pedri 30 minutes. I am happy with the three points, but I am not satisfied with some situations because we lost many balls. Nevertheless, we managed the match well."
Flick added about Pedri’s readiness for the Atlético Madrid match: "We will see how tomorrow goes after recovery, time is tight, but Pedri is fine. I asked him, and Rafinha is also fine; he showed great dynamism and intensity. I am also happy with Dani Olmo, who has gone through difficult weeks and scored two goals today."
He continued regarding the red card incidents on the bench, saying: "I couldn’t talk with De La Fuente and Marcos, and I asked the fourth official but he said nothing. I was calm and communicated well with him. These situations must be managed with referees, but I felt communication was absent. I was respectful and only demanded an explanation."
Flick also praised the team player Gerard Martin, saying: "He always gives 100%, has great confidence in the center-back position, and provides us with additional options."
The German coach continued talking about the team’s performance: "In the first half, we had many chances to score, and also in the second half. We must improve, but I am happy to get the three points, and this is the level we can offer."
Regarding the call-up of goalkeeper Juan Garcia to the national team, he said: "This is not my decision. It is always difficult to include a new player, but he is one of the players with a great future. However, the decision is not mine."
He added about Marc Bernal: "What he showed today was an important step for him. He played 45 minutes, which is a first step that gives him confidence. We need everyone, and his development is very positive. I am happy for him."
Flick continued his statements about Eric Garcia’s condition, saying: "He felt pain after a blow he received. He is fine, but we decided to give him rest because he couldn’t play while suffering from this pain."
Regarding the difference between Barcelona this season and last season, he said: "We no longer have the same control or strength we had last season. I am not worried about last season; I have to focus on this season. This season, we have suffered more injuries, while last season I saw everyone ready. Our performance improved after every match and every win. This season is going well, with four consecutive victories, but we cannot be satisfied with that; we have to improve."
About Marc Casado: "It was not easy for him; he played in the 8 and 6 positions, and even as a center-back. He had to adapt. We have to take changes into account. He can improve, but I am happy with him. He gives us control in defense and links defense and attack. He is smart and intelligent, and we need him at his best."
He concluded his statements by talking about Dani Olmo: "I think everyone knows that Dani is a great player. Sometimes he wants more and wants to take the next step before the first. Maybe he overthinks, and I told him that. I advise him to enjoy the game because he is a great player. It is the best moment in a footballer's life when competing. He enjoyed it too. I tell everyone, enjoy the moment and be the best player possible, and that is what we want from him as well. Fans want to see players give their best."