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
FC Barcelona were able to get their desired result from one of the most important and difficult games of the season as they defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1 at the Metropolitano last night. With this win, the Catalans ensured that they go into the November international break at the top of the La Liga table.
As Mundo Deportivo has reported, Hansi Flick addressed the press after this win and analyzed some aspects of the game. The German coach admitted that this was not an easy game to win, and thus praised his team for getting the desired result:
“We have the quality to win these matches. I told you that we have to believe in this team. It’s not easy to win here, against Atlético, but the team did a fantastic job. We’re here, working every day to win trophies, and that’s what we want.”
The Barcelona coach commented on how his team adjusted in the second half:
“We made a few adjustments at half-time. We adapted a little in the second half. In the first half, we were caught out of position in certain situations and lacked intensity.”
Flick revealed how Frenkie de Jong was willing to play out of position for the team:
“I spoke to Frenkie before the match and asked him whether he could play in that position for 15 minutes as a full-back, until Bernie got tired. He said that if the team needed him, he was willing to do it.”
The German tactician admitted that his team was not at its best during the first half:
“In the first half, we were too far away from our opponents and couldn’t press properly. But football is played over 90 minutes: the first half wasn’t perfect, but the second half was.”
Overall, the Barcelona manager was happy with the three points obtained:
“I’m happy that we’ve picked up another three points. It was important.”
With November international break approaching, there is concern about fatigue for Blaugrana players, but Flick saw it as a part of the job, while also asking the national team coaches to manage the players’ minutes carefully:
“It’s part of our job. Now there’s an international break, and the Spanish players are usually away with their national teams during these periods. It’s important to manage their minutes… It’s important that they do the same with the national teams.”
With this win, Barcelona can go into the international break with their morale significantly restored, which was hit somewhat by the defeats to Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. Hopefully, Hansi Flick will be able to continue with this run of form when the team returns to action in two weeks’ time.
MADRID, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 08: Fermin Lopez of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona at Wanda Metropolitano on November 08, 2026 in Madrid, Spain.
VALENCIA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 06: Raphinha of Barcelona celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammate Lamine Yamal during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Valencia CF and FC Barcelona at Estadi de Mestalla on September 06, 2026 in Valencia, Spain.
[Deco, sporting director of FC Barcelona follows the press conference at Spotify Camp Nou on July 25, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.
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