FC Barcelona put on a show for the 45,000-odd people present inside the newly renovated Spotify Camp Nou. The Catalan club played a very good game in what was a momentous occasion for everyone present inside the stadium.
[Hansi Flick put out a much-changed XI against the Basque opposition to contend with injuries](https://semprebarca.com/official-barcelona-starting-xi-against-athletic-club-la-liga-3/). His midfield and defense were largely makeshift, and the German manager still managed to get his team’s tactics spot-on.
After the game against Athletic Club, Hansi Flick spoke about a number of topics in his post-match press conference. As quoted by [Mundo Deportivo](https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20251122/1002574012/flick-sido-positivo.html), the German manager was asked about the atmosphere at the renovated Spotify Camp Nou. He said:
**“It was a special match for everyone. Being back here in the stadium was an incredible feeling. On top of that, we won three points. It wasn’t easy, especially in the first half, but we kept a clean sheet. Everything went in the right direction—four goals and three points. It’s a perfect day for us.”**
Flick then spoke about the team’s collective performance. He also highlighted the importance of the team not conceding goals. He claimed:
**“I’m happy with the match. Everything has been positive. We controlled the game and scored goals at the right moments. We deserved the victory. I’m always satisfied when we don’t concede, although what really matters is winning. Today we did that, and the most important thing is the way we achieved it.”**
Flick then spoke at length about what returning to Camp Nou meant to him. He provided insight into his long-term dream. He said:
**For me, even the training ten days ago was a great feeling, when you step onto the pitch and see all the fans. I’ve been here a long time ago, and I told myself that one day I wanted to be on this bench, and now it’s like a dream come true. When you work hard and believe, everything is possible. We just have to work hard, focus on our quality, our strength, and play as a team.”**
The German manager also acknowledged Athletic Club’s merit, which he felt challenged them in different phases of the game. He said:
**“We knew they would apply aggressive pressure. Athletic Club is a fantastic, compact, and well-organized team, and they had chances in the first half. Today is one of those days when everything goes smoothly.”**
Flick then reiterated that he was happy with his team’s competitive level. He said:
**“I respect Athletic Club, but I’m very happy with how we played. Everything went well, and the players were connected. I’m happy, of course, I’m happy here, and my entire coaching staff shares this feeling of being in this stadium. We have to take it step by step, and we’re glad to be back home. I’m very positive. We are focused, eager to give our best.”**
The German manager then assured that Alejandro Balde is fine, despite being hooked at half-time after a blow to his head. He said:
**“He is fine. We simply made the change as a precaution because the incident happened just a few minutes before halftime.”**
Finally, Hansi Flick was asked about the performances of players such as Eric Garcia and Robert Lewandowski, who had excellent games against Athletic Club. On the Spaniard, he said:
**“As a coach, it’s very good to have a player like Eric. We didn’t have De Jong, and we were clear that Eric would be the right choice.”**
Flick then spoke about a potential renewal for Eric. He continued:
**“I hope so. We have been working on it, and when it’s done, we’ll talk about it. Everyone can see that Eric has improved a lot, has confidence in all positions, and plays at a high level.”**
The ex-Bayern Munich boss also highlighted the importance of the Pole, who scored the first goal at the renovated Camp Nou. He said:
**“He is important. He is a player who, when he gets a chance, will almost certainly score. He scored early, which was important. In the last ten years, he is probably the best number nine. Age has nothing to do with it; he is fit and still hungry for goals.”**
Flick will definitely be happy with how his team played against Athletic Club and will want them to continue doing the same against Chelsea midweek. Let’s wait and see how the team fares on their trip to Stamford Bridge.