FC Barcelona has registered their first El Clasico win in the new Hansi Flick era, as the Blaugrana club overshadowed Real Madrid 2-1. Though Barca had won their Preseason opener game against Manchester City, in the penalties, this time, Flick's side showed complete dominance in the fixture.
From a sensational Pau Victor show to the rock-solid performances of the Bernal-Casado duo and a successful return of Ter Stegen, the Clasico victory looked like a brilliant team effort overall. Even though a messy lapse happened in the defense when Nico Paz was left unmarked, after which he pulled a goal back, the Catalan club's performance improved from the last game.
Hansi Flick reflects upon his first El Clasico win of the 2024/25 campaign
Speaking to the media after the fixture, Hansi Flick said,
""We knew it was a Clasico match even though it was Preseason. I told my players that we want to see an improvement on the pitch compared to what was shown against Manchester City, and I believe that is what happened. We did a good job.""Hansi Flick
With such a young and inexperienced squad, demolishing the opposition backline that too, one of the biggest European clubs, was not an easy job for Flick. Given the performances, the young Barca talents have delivered, Flick said,
""We have players aged 16, 17, and 18. It's great to have them here.""Hansi Flick
However, the thing for which Flick has made his name as one of the greatest managers is his honesty in reflecting upon his team's performance. Though it might have appeared a perfect win for the Blaugrana club, Flick didn't hesitate to count upon the team's sudden lapses: he said,
""In some situations, we collapse too much during the match, and do not put pressure on the rival player who has the ball.""Hansi Flick
Adding further, Flick expressed the message clearly that he won't allow such things to repeat and that they need to focus a bit more. Flick remarked,
""This can't happen. This is a problem. We have to focus on this and press during the whole match.""Hansi Flick
Overall, Hansi Flick still finds huge scope for improvement in the club's performance, and the Blaugrana club would try to rectify them before they line up to face AC Milan in their next fixture.