Hansi Flick praised Barcelona’s disciplined defending after their 3-0 victory over Aston Villa at Camp Nou on Tuesday, while insisting Raphinha was not taken off because the manager was angry with him.
Barcelona kept a clean sheet in the fourth round of the Champions League league phase, with Flick particularly pleased by the way his side limited Aston Villa and remained compact without the ball.
“Aston Villa are a great team. We defended well and we are happy with our defensive performance,” Flick said at his post-match news conference.
“We kept a clean sheet and the back four played at an amazing level; they defended everything. Joan Garcia did the same.”
The German added: “It is not about making mistakes or losing, but about how you react. The next step is always the most important one.”
Barcelona’s approach was based on pressing Aston Villa high and forcing them into errors, with Flick saying the plan had helped create the opportunities that led to their goals.
“We wanted to press them and make them commit mistakes, and that is where the goals came from,” he said. “That is our way of playing, that is our philosophy.
“The win was important. You can see that we have confidence both with the ball and without it.”
Flick also welcomed the return of Frenkie de Jong, who has begun to feature again after a period away from full fitness.
“His return is very important. He is performing well, and you can see that in training,” Flick said. “His physical condition is not yet at full strength, which is normal. We have to manage it step by step.
“We want to have a lot of quality in every position, and with him we have that in two positions.”
Raphinha appeared to be in discomfort when he was replaced, but Flick said the change had not been prompted by frustration with the Brazil international.
“Raphinha was affected by what happened in Tenerife, the death of the striker Jesus de Miguel, as we all were,” Flick said. “We send our deepest condolences to his family, the club and the supporters in this tragedy. I think it affected Raphinha personally.”
He added: “Everyone thinks I was angry with him and that is why I substituted him, but that is not the case. What I mean and what I feel is that it is not always easy to put everything aside and stick to the plan. We are human, and things like this affect us.”
Flick said Raphinha was “going through a good period in terms of his level” and hoped he would return from the international break in good health.
“If he comes back from the break fit and healthy, that will be great for us and for him as well,” he said. “I am very happy for him and wish him the best. It would also be fantastic for us.”
