Hansi Flick talks Yamal, Torres, Olmo after Barcelona 0-3 AS Monaco

Barcelona’s Joan Gamper Trophy clash last night did not quite go to plan, and the final scoreboard said it all.

Taking to the field for the first time in front of a passionate home crowd, the Catalans battled out a goalless first 45 minutes. The second half, however, saw them concede three goals in 35 minutes to lose the game 3-0.

The result is undeniably disappointing for the hosts, who have now lost a Joan Gamper clash by a difference of three goals without scoring for the first time since 1981.

Speaking to the media after his team’s 3-0 loss in front of the home fans, Hansi Flick admitted that the team was far from its best but promised better performances in the official games.

“I know what this team can do. It hasn’t been our game, we haven’t done well, but in Valencia we will do it differently. I’m sure we’ll have another performance.”

Continuing to paint an optimistic picture, the manager stated that if there was a time to taste defeat, it would rather be in pre-season.

“The time to lose is now. Better than during the season.”

“When you lose 0-3 it’s not easy for the fans, but the atmosphere in Montjuïc has been fantastic. When we play fast, the reaction of the public is perfect, so we have to provoke that emotion from the grass,” he added.

While Barcelona did go on to lose the game, their performance in the opening period was impressive and they even had chances to take the lead that they could not capitalize on.

“We have had the opportunity to get ahead on the scoreboard and then the match would have been different. During the first part we have not played as fast as we would have liked,” Flick said on that front.

“The speed and the passes have not been as good as in previous matches. We have not controlled the game and that has allowed Monaco to improve,” he added.

Commenting on what went wrong in the second half, he said, “In the second half, we were better, but in an error he scored 0-1 and ended up triggering this very bulky result.”

Looking ahead to the team’s first official clash of the season against Valencia, the new coach said, “We can play better. We have five days to prepare for the match against Valencia, to improve the pressure and our game. I’m sure we’ll do better on Saturday.”

Flick then spoke specifically on Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal’s possible participation against Valencia.

“We have to see how Lamine and Ferran have ended the match, because our responsibility is to help the players.”

Finally, he gave his thoughts on the team’s latest signing, Dani Olmo, and what the Euro 2024 winner would bring to the table.

“I know him from the Bundesliga and he is a great player in final third of the field. He can score goals and make a difference.”

Source: SPORT