Hansi Flick talks Lewandowski, Yamal, de Jong, Pedri, Casado after Barcelona 1-0 Rayo Vallecano | OneFootball

Barcelona reclaimed their spot at the top of the league table following a narrow 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano on Monday evening.

It was a hard-fought game for the Catalans – something coach Hansi Flick alluded to in the post-match presser – with Robert Lewandowski’s first half penalty being the only differentiator between the two sides.

What Flick said after Rayo win

Flick acknowledged the quality of Rayo multiple times during the presser. He started by stating,

“The match lasted more than 90 minutes and was very difficult against a strong opponent. It was a big challenge for the players, but we are very happy with the win.”

Hansi Flick was happy with the win. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

“It was a tough game because the opponent played very well. That’s what I can say, and of course, we have to talk about these things. We will analyse everything and then see what we can improve. That’s what happened,” he added.

Flick was even asked whether or not Rayo Vallecano are the most formidable team Barcelona have met at Montjuic this season.

“They play well and I can say it again, it’s great to see how they press and you see that they have an idea and everyone is focused on that.

“With the ball, they have a good build-up and they do it really well, you could say they were one of the best teams here.

“Rayo were on a nine-game unbeaten run, so getting the win today is a big success for us. Being at the top of the table is very important for the team and for the fans, so it’s very positive. We’re at the top now and we are very happy,” he said.

Thoughts on Pedri and Frenkie de Jong

Hansi Flick praised Pedri. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Talking about the atmosphere in the dressing room after the hard-fought win over Rayo, Flick added, “The players are happy. We played well but we can do better.”

One of the star performers in Barcelona’s narrow win was Pedri, who acted as the conduit between the defence and the attack.

Pedri also showed great desire and fitness, eventually ending the game as one of the most influential players on the pitch.

When asked about Pedri’s physical turnaround, Flick said, “Physically, I don’t do that work. That’s the fitness department, Julio Tos and his team, and they do a great job. It’s not just the fitness coaches, the therapists do a great job too.

“Deco did a good job at the start of the season, we planned to bring in new experts to help us reach that level. And you can see the result, not just with Pedri, but Pedri in particular did an amazing job. He’s an exceptional player.”

In midfield, Pedri was partnered by Frenkie de Jong instead of Marc Casado, who had been a regular until recently.

When asked about whether or not de Jong is now a regular for Barcelona, Flick said, “I am very happy with the level the team is showing, because we have great players in every position, and sometimes it is very easy to change a player, as we saw today.

“When Casado came on, or when we replaced Eric with Cubarsi, that is what we want. I also told the team that it is very important at this level, but also in this period now, as we approach the end of the season or at least next month.”

Casado’s absence

Marc Casado once again failed to make it to the starting XI. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Speaking about Casado and his absence from the starting eleven, Flick ensured that the young midfielder hasn’t done anything wrong and is still a highly valued player in the team.

“I’m talking to Casa. Because right now that’s the situation. Frenkie is playing very well. He has good form and also gives us good moments in possession. That’s what we need. Of course,

“Frenkie is currently the starter, but Casa is also performing well. It’s not that this one plays because the other one is not good, no. We are one team and everyone has their job. And when they play, they have to play well. And that’s normal,” he said.

Flick’s take on Szczesny and Inigo Martinez

Wojciech Szczesny, kept another clean sheet. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Apart from Pedri, Casado and de Jong, Flick also talked about Wojciech Szczesny, who was able to retain another clean sheet after starting ahead of Inaki Pena in goal.

“Today was the right decision, but in the end Inaki also did a good job before, he is a really great goalkeeper. At the moment, Wojciech is the number one goalkeeper, and today he saved us three points, and that is the most important thing,” he said.

Flick went on to point out the importance of keeping a clean sheet and specifically praised Inigo Martinez’s work in defence.

“In the first half of the season, when we were struggling a bit, I think we improved a lot in that aspect of the game, and we have to continue to defend strongly. For me, Iñigo was also very important today in defence, contributing to the clean sheet,” he said.

Speaking of Inigo, Flick also reacted to Inigo winning the penalty and the reaction of the Rayo players afterwards.

“I didn’t see the shot clearly, but we have VAR and I trust it, so I have no further comment on the matter,” the German said.

Kounde’s absence

Jules Kounde was absent from the starting XI. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Another important aspect of the game saw Jules Kounde missing from the starting eleven, supposedly because the Frenchman was late in training.

Flick was coy when asked about Kounde’s absence, but pointed out the importance of discipline among footballers.

“There is nothing more to add on this subject,” he said. “On match day all players know what to do. It’s very important that they are on time. I don’t think it’s too difficult. It’s not just for me, but for the players, for the club and the fans.”

The Barcelona coach also talked about Robert Lewandowski’s penalty and how the Pole looked dissatisfied after being subbed off.

“I think for him it’s always about his desire to score goals and win, but in the end, it’s my decision. I decide what’s best for the team, not for the individuals.

“So it’s not up to him. I always support him, I always give him the chance to start games, and I’m happy with his performance today because he scored a very important goal,” the coach said.

Lamine Yamal’s drought

Lamine Yamal has not scored in La Liga since October 2024. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

While Lewandowski scored, one player who was not able to find the back of the net was Lamine Yamal, whose last goal came at the Bernabeu against Real Madrid.

Flick, though, is not too worried about Yamal’s scoring rut. “The best thing is to try to score in training, and he does that. So one day the goals will come, and maybe he will score a lot of them. He’s scored a lot of goals, he loves to score,” he said.

“You have to train, you have to work hard at it. And in the end, you have to show it in the game. But he does well.

“He always tries to attack, create chances and also finish attacks. He is unlucky right now but he will be back,” he added.

Finally, the Barcelona coach talked about the team returning to the top spot in the La Liga table and how it impacts their mentality.

“We are in a good position now, which is good for the club, and I think it also boosts the confidence of the players.

“And of course, it is important for the fans and the whole club. It is a big thing, but it is not the end. We still have a very long way to go.

“I think it’s not good to always focus on the table because that’s not the right approach. Now I’m really happy for the fans, for the club, because they deserve it at this moment.

“We always say we will fight until the end, and nothing has changed. We also have to fight until the end, and that’s the way we want to go. Game by game, and that’s how we want to finish the season,” he concluded.

Source: AS