Barcelona manager Hansi Flick was pleased with his team’s response after they recovered from an early setback to beat Galatasaray 4-1 in Istanbul, but the German coach made it clear that there is still room for improvement.
Barça went into half-time level at 1-1 after falling behind, before taking control after the break to secure an emphatic Champions League victory.
While Flick praised the team’s performance and Lamine Yamal’s influence, he also highlighted the need to make better decisions in the final third.
“We are very happy with the result. We played well in the first half.
“They had one chance and scored, but we managed to come back and that was very important,” the manager began.
Flick identifies Barcelona’s area for improvement
Despite the scoreline, Flick was keen to address the mistakes that could prove costly against stronger opposition in the Champions League.
“In the Champions League, when we played well, in some situations we didn’t make good decisions in the final third, and that’s something we have to improve.
“But today, in this stadium, with this atmosphere, it wasn’t easy, but I’m very happy.”
The Barcelona manager also explained what he told his players during the interval.
Although he appreciated their first-half display, he wanted greater control in possession and fewer careless giveaways near the opposition goal.
“At half-time, I told the players that I appreciated their first-half performance. It was good, but I pointed out a few things.
Hansi Flick has asked for improvement. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
“We gave the ball away in the final third, but we needed to improve. In the second half, we dominated the game. We have to play the way we did then—control the game, move the ball around.
“That’s our strength, our quality. We have to show what we’re capable of.”
Flick explains why Yamal remained on the pitch
Yamal did not score against Galatasaray, but his contribution remained significant, with the teenager providing the final pass for two goals.
Flick was emphatic when discussing his importance to Barcelona and why he did not take him off while other attackers were replaced.
“No, I didn’t consider it. We’re relying on other players, too. Lamine is very good.
“Physically, he’s ready for anything, and as we saw in the second half, it’s very important to have a player like him on the field.
“Physically, he’s ready. He’s an important player, and it’s good to have him on the field.”
The German also praised Yamal’s creativity while stressing that collective success mattered more than individual performances.
Lamine Yamal was key to Barcelona’s win against Galatasaray. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
“Lamine didn’t score today, but he did provide the final pass for two goals and played excellently. He’s an incredible player and very important to us.
“Lamine does amazing, incredible things. He does things in practice that he’s then able to do in games.
“I know everyone looks to Lamine, and that’s normal—he’s one of a kind. But for me, the most important thing was the team’s success,” assessed the manager.
Flick backs Karim Adeyemi and Gabriel Jesus
Flick also had encouraging words for Karim Adeyemi, who scored against Galatasaray, praising the forward’s pace, ability on the ball and finishing.
“He’s very fast, good with the ball, and can score goals; I’m very happy he scored.”
Lastly, the manager was equally positive about Gabriel Jesus, while suggesting the Brazilian still has another level to reach.
“He’s at a top level, but I think he’ll be even better; I’m happy with him and I value him, but he has more potential, and he’ll show it in the coming weeks,” he concluded.
Source: Mundo Deportivo