Flick: The team's reaction after defeats was good, and we won't risk the return of injured players

Hans Flick, the manager of FC Barcelona, spoke about the big win over Deportivo Alavés with a score of 6-1, in the 11th round of LaLiga, confirming his satisfaction with the team's performance, especially in the first half, and praising the players' reaction after recent defeats.

Speaking about his assessment of the match, Flick said: "We succeeded in stopping the opponent, we expected them to defend well and rely on quick attacking transitions, we controlled the match and maintained our defensive focus, I am happy with the way we played, especially in the first half."

Regarding the reliance on Frenkie de Jong in the centre-back position, he explained: "We have to think differently, as we have four defenders out of the equation due to injuries, and we hope they return soon, but we do not know when they will come back."

He continued: "I asked de Jong if he could play as a centre-back, and he agreed, and I appreciate that. Farinas also performed wonderfully at full-back and deserved to play in this match. He is a very professional player."

Flick discussed the changes he made during the match, saying: "We need to make changes among the players, you might think about some substitutions, then the match takes you in a different direction, and things change. We had Rodri and Frenkie de Jong, and there were different options for substitution, we have to accept that."

Regarding Lamine Yamal's performance, he said: "When you score two goals, leaving the match becomes easier. I spoke to him at half-time; he needs to regain his confidence, especially in one-on-one situations, and it's important for him to get some rest."

He confirmed: "He had a very good match, and his level is great, as well as Firminho and Raphinha's level; this is what I wanted to see after the defeats, our reaction was good."

The German coach commented on reaching 100 wins with FC Barcelona, saying: "I don't usually think about the past, I am very happy to reach 100 wins. Certainly, our hope was to play 100 matches with FC Barcelona, and now we have achieved 100 victories. Perhaps the best win was the first one in the clásico against Real Madrid, but there have been many victories; that win holds beautiful memories for me."

Regarding the condition of the injured players, Flick explained: "We do not know if they will be able to recover during this week, their condition is progressing well, but they are not fully ready yet, we have to hold on."

He explained: "I think Andreas is close to joining the team, but we have to wait, we won't take any risks, after the next two matches, there will be a break, and we need it, we won't take any risks."

Flick expressed his happiness with Farinas' performance, saying: "I am very happy with his performance today, he is playing at a good level, and there is a good understanding between him and Lamine, which is very important. He has helped us a lot, and he deserved to participate. He is a very professional player and always has great focus."

Flick concluded his remarks by explaining the reason for substituting Pedri, saying: "We decided to substitute him due to the number of minutes he played and receiving a yellow card, and it was also a good opportunity for Bernal, which was beneficial for the team."