Hansi Flick talks Pedri, Olmo, Ansu, Fort, Torre, El Clasico after Barcelona 1-0 Mallorca | OneFootball

Hansi Flick can afford to feel more at ease after Barcelona claimed a narrow but crucial 1-0 victory over Mallorca.

The win came thanks to a goal from Dani Olmo, which proved enough to take all three points. With their part done, Barcelona now await Real Madrid’s response.

Flick made several changes to the starting XI, with key players in the squad clearly showing signs of fatigue due to the demanding season.

In response, the German manager chose to give minutes to players who have not seen much action lately, including Ansu Fati and Hector Fort.

Both were handed rare starts, and Flick expressed satisfaction with how the entire team performed.

“I think we had a good game. We created many chances and managed to keep a clean sheet. That’s important. Everyone contributed well, and it’s good that every player feels part of the group,” said Flick.

He also emphasised the importance of managing the squad carefully with the season entering its final stretch. “My role is to make sure everyone stays involved and ready, always thinking about the next match,” he added.

On Dani Olmo and Pedri

Pedri was once again the star of the show. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

One of the standout performers against Mallorca was Olmo, who not only scored the winning goal but also impressed with his overall impact.

Flick praised the Spanish midfielder, calling him “a great player” and highlighting his importance to the team for the remainder of the season. “Dani is going to help us a lot from now until the end,” the manager said.

Pedri also received high praise for another commanding performance in midfield. Flick admired his influence both with and without the ball.

“There’s no limit to what Pedri can do. He is playing at a very high level and gives us a lot defensively too,” he said.

When asked if having both Pedri and Olmo on the pitch made life easier, Flick responded by stressing the value of collective performance.

“Of course, we are happy to have them, but the key is that everyone who comes on integrates well with the rest of the team. That connection is what really matters.”

Flick also spoke about giving lesser-used players like Fort and Ansu more game time. He revealed he had already planned to involve them and was pleased with their response.

“I told the players beforehand. Maybe Pablo Torre could have played too, but the match was tight. Still, I’m happy with how everyone is staying connected. That’s what I want to see until the season ends.”

Looking ahead to El Clasico

Hansi Flick is focused on the El Clasico. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Flick turned his attention to the upcoming clash with Real Madrid, calling it one of the defining moments of the campaign.

“Barça and Madrid are two of the best teams, so naturally the biggest trophies are decided between us,” he said.

“We still have two matches against them and we want to win both La Liga and the Copa del Rey. It won’t be easy, but our focus is clear—we have to beat them,” he concluded.

Source: AS