September 12, 2026, Sant Joan Despi, Barcelona, Spain: Hansi Flick, head coach of FC Barcelona, attends his press conference during the training day of FC Barcelona ahead the Spanish League, LaLiga EA Sports, football match against Levante UD at Ciudad Esportiva Joan Gamper on September 12, 2026 in Sant Joan Despi, Barcelona, Spain.
Credit Image: © Javier Borrego/AFP7 via ZUMA Press Wire
After a great start to the season, FC Barcelona suffered a blip in their form as they fell to Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid within one week. However, the Blaugranes have reacted strongly to these two losses, and have already returned to winning ways, both in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
After beating Alaves 6-1 in the league, the Catalans took on the Premier League side Aston Villa in the UCL at the Spotify Camp Nou last night, and emerged 3-0 winners with another convincing performance.
As Mundo Deportivo has reported, Hansi Flick talked to the press after the game, and expressed his satisfaction with his team’s performance. The German coach was particularly happy with the defense:
“Aston Villa are a great team. We defended well and are happy with what we saw defensively. We kept a clean sheet. The back line performed at an incredible level; they defended everything. Joan Garcia did too.”
The Barcelona coach was clear that his team’s reaction to the recent losses is what actually matters:
“It’s not about whether you make mistakes or lose, but about how you react. The next action is always the most important one.”
Flick once again expressed satisfaction with the defensive effort of his team:
“We have to work hard. Everyone was incredible. There was very little space between the lines, we stayed compact, and we defended well close to our own goal… It was incredible.”
The German coach also highlighted how aggressive pressing helped his team score the goals:
“We wanted to press them, force them into making mistakes, and that is where the goals came from. That is how we want to play; it is our philosophy. Winning was important. You can see that we have confidence both on and off the ball.”
The Barcelona coach revealed that Frenkie de Jong is still not at his best physical level:
“It is very important that he has returned. He is at a good level, as you can see in training. Physically, he is not yet at 100%, which is normal. We have to take things step by step. We want to have plenty of talent in every position, and with him we have that in two positions.”
Flick highlighted how the tragic passing of the Tenerife player Jesus de Miguel affected the team, and Raphinha in particular:
“Raphinha was affected by what happened in Tenerife, just as we all were. We send our sincerest condolences to the family, the club and the supporters following this tragedy. I think it affected Raphinha personally.”
“Everyone thinks he was angry about being substituted, but that wasn’t the case. What I am saying, and what I feel, is that it is not always easy to put everything else out of your mind and stick to our plan. We are human beings, and these things affect us.”
Going forward, the German coach was already hoping Raphinha can stay healthy during the next international break:
“He is in a good moment. If he comes back from the international break fit and healthy, that will be fantastic for us and for him. I am very happy, and I wish him all the best. It will be good for us too.”
With this win, FC Barcelona are now placed second in the UCL table and on track to make it directly to the Round of 16. However, Hansi Flick has another challenge awaiting him, as his team is set to face Atletico Madrid in their next league game.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 03: Raphinha of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Lamine Yamal during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD4 match between FC Barcelona and Aston Villa FC at Camp Nou on November 03, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain.
Alejandro Balde of Barcelona is dejected Alejandro Balde of Barcelona is dejected during the Champions League match between Chelsea and Barcelona at Stamford Bridge, London, England on 25 November 2025.