Barcelona coach talks title race, Fermin, Araujo and more after Sevilla 1-4 Barcelona | OneFootball

Barcelona closed down the gap at the top of the league table following a comprehensive 4-1 win over Sevilla last night.

It was yet another strong attacking performance from the Blaugrana, with Fermin Lopez, Robert Lewandowski, Eric Garcia and Raphinha finding the back of the net.

Speaking to the media after the game, Hansi Flick talked about Barcelona’s performance on the night as well as several other key factors.

Hansi Flick’s post-match statements after Sevilla win

“I am very happy with the team’s performance. We played a good first half and in the second half we fought hard to win these three points,” Flick said after the game.

This was Barcelona’s third consecutive win in La Liga, which will come as a sigh of relief for Flick and his team.

“I’m happy with the way we played. The way we defended with a 4-4-1 was a good lesson for us, because it’s not the way we want to play, but the team did it very well. We scored the fourth goal from a set piece, so things went in the right direction,” he added.

It must be noted that Barcelona had to play with four men for the last 30 minutes due to Fermin Lopez’s red card around the hour mark.

Talking about Barcelona’s performance in the last half hour of the game, Flick said, “It was a different style of play than usual, but the players played very well.

“We defended very well, especially on the wings where they have very good players and we were able to deal with that well. I am very happy with the performance.”

The German coach went on to address Ronald Araujo’s injury, stating, “We have to wait until tomorrow, when we will do the necessary tests. We hope it is not a serious injury.”

Flick was asked about Fermin Lopez’s performance on the night, as the Spaniard did score before being sent off.

“Of course, I spoke to him. It’s normal, that you score an important goal and then get sent off straight away. We were pressing very hard, our tempo was very high and these things happen.

Fermin Lopez scored an important goal against Sevilla (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

“But his goal was very important for us. In the end, it was a good experience for us to play with a 4-4-1 and defend like that and I think we did it very well,” he said.

The introduction of Fermin was one of many tactical changes Flick implemented at half-time, as Barcelona did lack creative firepower in the first 45 minutes.

Talking about the changes implemented, Flick said, “We always make small adjustments, they are just small changes, and the team adapted very well today.

“Of course, Fermin’s second goal was very important for us, it gave us confidence and belief in what we want to achieve. And Rafinha’s third goal was also very important.”

The Barcelona coach was then asked about not only Fermin but also Gavi, as these two players have a similar style of play and offer the same level of aggression.

Talking about their potential, Flick said, “They have the potential to do it, but I’m happy with them. I’m happy with the intensity they play with, and what happened today can happen.

“I think the pitch was wet, he slipped on the opponent, and normally that’s not intentional, but it happened, and we have to accept that. In the end, I can see that the team has improved a lot in that aspect, and it’s great for me to see that.”

As for Pedri’s performance, the German added, “Amazing. He helps us a lot with his body to deal with situations and get out of the pressure of the opponent. He is doing great, and I am very happy that he was able to play the whole game.“

The Barcelona also went on to discuss the future of Ansu Fati, who has reportedly rejected a last-minute move to Turkey despite strong interest from the likes of Besiktas and Fenerbahce.

“I spoke to him quite frankly. It’s not that you speak to the coach and then everything changes the next day. No. But what I can say is that he’s on the right track. He’s doing a good job, he’s very close to the team.

Raphinha magic at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

“That’s the important thing because I’ve seen a lot of moments where he’s at his best. And that’s a level we’re trying to reach again. It’s hard work for us and for him as well, but he’s doing a good job and he’s very close to the team,” he said.

Finally, Hansi Flick addressed the elephant in the room – the state of the title race following Barcelona’s win and Real Madrid’s recent draw with Atletico Madrid.

First up, Flick was asked about Diego Simeone’s statement, where the Atletico Madrid coach hailed Barcelona as the best-performing team in the league.

“I think there are four or five teams in the league that are doing well. We are one of them, we have our own style of play, and we focus on that and not on other things,” he replied.

Talking about the opportunity to gain more ground in the race for the league title, Flick did admit that Barcelona still have a long way to go.

“Today I’m happy because we got three points in Sevilla. That was very important for us. But in the end, there’s still a long way to go, a lot can happen. We want to keep this rhythm.

“When we won today and got three points, I decided to give the team three days off to recover. I think they deserve it. The important thing is not to do stupid things, to take care of their bodies and their recovery. Then, on Thursday, we start preparing for the next game,” he concluded.

Source: Barça One