Hansi Flick talks Yamal, Lewandowski, Ferran and more after Atletico Madrid 2-4 Barcelona
Barcelona once again proved their mettle against a top side and showed why they are the undisputed favourite to win the league title this season, as they secured a hard-fought 4-2 comeback win over Atletico Madrid
The Catalans were trailing for the majority of the game, but a late push from Barça saw them turn things around completely, with the club scoring four goals in the space of just 20 minutes or so.
Speaking to the press after the game, coach Hansi Flick was elated with the win and hailed the performance of the team.
What Flick said after Atleti win
“I’m happy. I’m proud of this team. I think you can see that the mentality is great, and they never give up.
“The reaction on the pitch was amazing and good. This is exactly what we want to do in matches. I can say that I am very, very proud,” he said.
“The whole team and the coaching staff, I’m proud of them. Because I think we have a great atmosphere in the team, in the dressing room, but also in everything around us. We’re one club, and everyone works together like a family, and that means a lot to me,” he added.
Talking about how Barcelona have improved since he took charge of the club last summer, the German added, “When I arrived here, and now at this moment, it’s really great. I love working with this club.
“It’s great to see how the players and the coaching staff are connected to each other, this is a very good thing.”
Offering his thoughts on the team’s performance, in particular, Flick pointed out how the first half wasn’t exactly optimal but hailed the way the team responded in the second half.
“I think when you see that we played against Atletico in their stadium, I think we controlled the game. We played very well in the first half.
“I know we had some chances, but we didn’t score in the first half. Of course, we made some mistakes that allowed them to score, but in the end, that’s how it is. The way the team came back, how they believe in our style of play, that’s a very good point,” he said.
“We fought, we never gave up, and it was great to see that. And then, we took our chances and scored goals, that was incredible. I’m very happy for the team, the club, and of course the fans,” he added.
Sensational comeback
Flick was then asked about how Barcelona overcame a two-goal deficit for the first time this season and whether or not it is an indicator that will win the league.
“I think so. To go two goals down against Atletico and then win 4-2, and completely change the result and the game in 20 minutes, that’s very important.
“Because it shows that the team really believes in what they are doing, and believes in their strength, and that is a good position to be in,” he replied.
The German tactician went on to talk about the upcoming international break and how it could be beneficial for the team.
“The break will be beneficial for everyone at the club. I’m also happy that the players will play their last game on Sunday, which means they have a week to rest a little. This is a good situation,” he said.
It must be noted that this was Hansi Flick’s first win over Atletico Madrid in three tries, since he took charge of Barcelona.
When asked whether or not he has finally figured out how to beat Diego Simeone’s men, the German replied, “No, it was time to win. After three games, the performance was good. I also think today’s game, both for the fans in the stadium and in front of the TV, was an amazing game.
” I think after the second goal, when we were behind, the reaction was unbelievable. And in about 20 minutes, we scored four goals here against Atlético, which is very impressive. I am happy for the team, but also for the club and our fans. It’s a great day for us.”
Following the Atletico Madrid win, Barcelona stand in a commanding position as far as the La Liga title race is concerned. Flick, though, is not willing to take anything for granted.
“There’s still a long way to go, as I always say. But today were three big, very big points, and we’re really happy. Now we’re top of the table again with a game in hand, which is a great feeling,” he said.
Say no to any comparison
Flick also refused to compare the current scenario at Barcelona to his 2019/20 season with Bayern Munich, when the Germans won the treble.
“It’s difficult, the road is long. The current situation, how we’re playing, and how confident we are, that’s very good. But I wouldn’t say it was similar to the season with Bayern Munich, because it was a completely different situation,” he said.
Explaining his reasoning, the Barcelona coach added, “We had the Corona crisis, and there were different circumstances. But now, what I feel is that it is very good, and I also have confidence in the team that we can achieve huge things together.
“So maybe we’ll win, but I know it’s a long road, and as always, we’ll try everything we can to win titles, and today’s match gives us more confidence.”
Flick also talked about some of the individual performers that stood out on the night, including the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal.
Speaking of Yamal and his goal, Flick said, “He puts a lot of effort into one-on-ones. And of course, when he gets on the pitch and has a chance to shoot, he takes it, as he did today. He has the quality to score such goals, and he’s proven that many times in the past.
As for Lewandowski and his important goal just after Atleti’s second strike, the German added, “I think we suffered a bit. There were also some discussions with the referees. We were saying there might have been a handball before the second goal.
“But the reaction was right, and Lewy’s goal was very important because it brought us back into the game. Then we started to believe we could change the result. In the end, winning 4-2 here is a great achievement.“
Ferran Torres’ impact
Flick was also about the impact of Ferran Torres, who has become Barcelona’s silent killer from the bench.
“We have a strong starting lineup, but the players who come off the bench are performing brilliantly. They’re training at a very high level, and that’s what we need. We want everyone to give 100% in every training session, and that’s the approach we want to take,” he said.
Finally, the Barcelona coach was asked to offer an update on the rescheduling of the Osasuna game. The coach, though, didn’t have much to say.
“I don’t know. Right now, I don’t know how we’re going to handle it. We’re discussing it, but there’s nothing I can say. I have nothing to say,” he concluded.
Source: Mundo Deportivo
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