The Blaugrana managed to pick up three points, but struggled at times against their La Liga opponents.
Barcelona got back on track on Sunday night with a 3-1 win over Elche, responding well after last weekend’s El Clásico defeat.
Goals from Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres and Marcus Rashford gave Hansi Flick’s side a much-needed boost in their domestic campaign.
After the match, Flick spoke about the performance and admitted that not everything was easy, but he felt that his players showed the right attitude when necessary.
“I have seen things that we have done well, but we also have to improve. We have to fight. Today we had an opponent who wanted the ball and it was not easy.
“We had to press and we did, that’s why we scored the first two goals and created more opportunities.”
Barcelona finished the game with less than half the ball, only 49% possession, but that didn’t bother Flick too much. With several key players missing, he knows his team is not yet in top form.
“It is not difficult to have control without Pedri. We can do it too. Pedri is an excellent player and we want him in every game, but without him we have to manage it. We can improve in many things, and we will. There are three more points and we will continue forward.”
“It is not easy, we have many players who have not been able to play in the last games, we lack quality.
“The last two training sessions have been very good, one of the best this season. We have to talk about ball possession, in this we were not very good. The most important thing is the three points. We have taken a step forward and we have to be positive.”
Management of Yamal minutes
Flick also gave an update on Lamine Yamal after the teenager found the net again despite not being fully fit.
“He has to manage his injury. Train, receive treatment. It’s a good step for him. We can’t say he’s 100%. We have to manage it.”
Praise to Fermín López
The coach also highlighted the contribution of Fermín López, who stood out with another lively performance.
“He has done very good things, but like the whole team. He is not at 100% and must improve some things, but like the whole team. In the last games he has always been involved in the chances and the goals.”
It wasn’t a perfect performance from Barcelona, but after the frustration of El Clásico, Flick will be happy to see his team show character and take another step forward.
