Hansi Flick praised Xavi Espart’s composure and tactical understanding after Barcelona defeated Athletic Bilbao in the club’s first match at Spotify Camp Nou, a result which gave them a maximum six points from their opening two La Liga fixtures.
The Barcelona manager was delighted with the performance and the perfect start to the campaign. Speaking after the victory, Flick also discussed the team’s attacking approach, the quality of their training sessions, their defensive improvement and the club’s transfer plans.
“We have an idea to play in a more attacking way. We played a great match and created many chances, but we scored only two goals. Sometimes we have to be calmer and play more for our team-mates,” said Flick when asked about Barcelona’s attacking output.
The German was particularly impressed by Espart, who he said had shown the ability to operate effectively on the left as well as in his usual position.
“I really appreciate what I see from him, and I am surprised by his ability to play on the left side as well. He is always focused and, tactically, he is very good. I am extremely happy because he is truly an excellent player,” said Flick.
He added: “I am slightly surprised by his calmness in the way he plays and the way he approaches the match. It is wonderful. I think it is not easy for any player to play in this position, and he did a great job both with and without the ball. Technically, he is at a high level, and I hope he continues on this path because he has enormous potential.”
Flick attributed Barcelona’s progress to the standard of their work during the week, particularly in passing exercises, small-sided games and training matches.
“I think the most important aspect is the training sessions we have and the high quality we possess in them, which is exactly what we need. The way we practise passing in groups and play small-sided games is excellent, and we can see its effect later in official matches. However, there are still situations we can improve, especially when we lose the ball,” he said.
The manager also stressed that commitment to the collective mattered more to him than the position occupied by an individual player. He said the supporters had responded positively to that attitude and highlighted Eric and Pedri as further examples.
“For me, it does not matter which position the player plays in; he shows complete commitment to the club and the team. The fans also respond to him in a wonderful way. There are other players who show the same commitment, such as Eric and Pedri. That is exactly what we need: players who do not think about themselves but think about others. The most important thing is to involve the team in every decision that is made,” said Flick.
Flick stays out of Alvarez negotiations
Flick declined to comment on Atletico Madrid’s position in negotiations with Barcelona over Julian Alvarez during the transfer window.
“I do not want to talk about this subject. He is not a player in our team and I do not want to comment on that. We have won our second match and I am happy about that,” he said.
Asked directly about the possibility of signing Alvarez, Flick repeated that he had not been involved in the matter.
“I do not want to talk about him. I was not involved in this. Deco and the others are responsible for doing that work, while I do my job and focus completely on what concerns me,” said the Barcelona boss.
Barcelona still considering their attacking options
Flick was also asked whether Barcelona might have settled the match earlier with a recognised centre-forward. He said he could not be certain, while acknowledging that the team had created opportunities and followed the approach he wanted.
“I do not know whether we would have finished the match earlier with a proper striker. I really do not know. We had chances and played in the way I want. We have the ability and we have to improve, but we are defending well. Bernie and Pedri are playing great matches, and perhaps I will start the next match with another number nine,” he said.
Barcelona have now kept two clean sheets at the beginning of the season. Flick was pleased with the defensive organisation but said the players must maintain their communication and togetherness.
“We are defending very well, and this is the second match in which we have not conceded a goal. We have to continue staying connected and communicating, but I am happy with our level because we have collected six points,” he said.
