After his highly successful first season at FC Barcelona, Hansi Flick would be keen to not only repeat that level of success this season but to go even further by winning the trophies he was unable to win last season, especially the UEFA Champions League.
Barcelona have started this season with 2 wins and 1 draw in the first 3 La Liga games. While these results are not bad in any way, it seems that the German coach is still not fully satisfied with the level his team has shown in these three games.
In fact, as Mundo Deportivo has noted, some of his remarks from all three press conferences he has held after these games indicate his lack of satisfaction and some warnings to the team.
For instance, after the game against Mallorca, Flick aired his dissatisfaction with the dropped levels of the team:
“I didn’t like the match. My team played at 50%, and this is not possible. I need to talk to the players. After going 2–0 up and with two red cards against them, the team only played at 50% and that didn’t convince me. We could have done much better.”
“We had to control the ball, dictate the tempo, and make more of our chances. Playing at 50–60 percent against nine men is not acceptable. We need to move the ball faster and polish certain aspects. I tell the team we must play until the referee blows the final whistle.”
Then, after the comeback 3-2 win against Levante, the German started by praising his team, but still left a mild warning:
“It wasn’t easy. In the first half, Levante had good chances, and in the second half we changed. The first goal helped us. We didn’t do it perfectly, but you have to respect Levante, they have quick players. We need to talk and analyze. These matches help us improve and understand where we want to go. A season is a long road.”
However, after the draw against Rayo Vallecano, the Barcelona coach came up with one of his clearest expressions of displeasure since he has been the team’s head coach:
“I agree with Lamine about the lack of intensity. We made too many mistakes. In the first half, we could have scored a second goal. I’m not happy with the team—we had too many turnovers. We have to play better. In circumstances when they press you, you need to play better. The intensity wasn’t good. The pitch conditions had nothing to do with it, because it didn’t suit either us or Rayo.”
“We have to talk about the team and not about players once the transfer window closes. Last year, we played and worked as a team. Egos kill the success of the team.”
Now, with the international break, the team has the chance to ponder on their coach’s words and make amends before these issues end up costing them further ahead into the season.