Hansi Flick faced his first defeat as Barcelona manager after six competitive games, a result that left him visibly disappointed.
This loss holds weight, especially considering that during his time at Bayern Munich, Flick had only experienced one Champions League defeat out of 18 matches.
Now, with Barcelona, Ligue 1 side, AS Monaco, managed to secure a victory over Flick’s team, just as they had done in the Joan Gamper Trophy match six weeks ago.
Flick acknowledged that the result was fair but pointed out the difficulties the team faced, particularly after receiving a red card just ten minutes into the game. This forced them to adjust their strategy and game plan early on.
“The game changed after the red card after 10 minutes, causing us to change our idea and our planning. We tried at all times. We defended with passion but we made some mistakes. I saw many positive aspects of the game,” said the manager as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
“We had chances but in the end, they brought on fast players and they deserved to win. We did not play at the highest level or how we wanted to play. We have to accept that. I am sure that when other players return we will be stronger.”
Flick is already looking forward
Flick quickly turned his focus to the upcoming match against Villarreal, stressing the importance of moving on from the loss. He reminded his squad of the importance of LaLiga and the need to continue accumulating points.
He also mentioned that analysing the Monaco game would be key to understanding what went wrong, but the priority was now on recovering energy and preparing for Sunday’s match.
“There was disappointment in the dressing room and I told them that now we have to recover for Sunday. LaLiga is important and we must continue to add points.
“We have to analyse the game and talk to the players to see what we have not done well. It will not be easy but we have to recover energy. We lost, okay, I have told the players but we have to come back stronger and recover.
“We have a game on Sunday and we have to give our best, fight for the team and that is what we will continue to do,” he noted.
Individual mentions
Flick also took time to praise individual performances, particularly those of young talents like Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi. Both players, although substituted, had worked hard, and their substitution was more about managing fatigue ahead of the next game.
“Lamine tried hard. It was a difficult match and you have to adapt to these situations. The substitution of Lamine and Cubarsi was more thinking about Sunday. They were very tired.”
Flick also reassured that Marc Casado, who had taken a knock, was fine and had performed beyond expectations, along with other players like Raphinha and Lamine, all of whom made him proud despite the defeat.
“Casado is fine and has only received a knock. The players who have given more than we thought. Casado has done it, like Raphinha and Lamine. I am very proud of this team and we have to accept this defeat,” said the manager.
Thoughts on Ansu Fati
The Barcelona manager also spoke about Ansu Fati, sharing that he had a conversation with the player about his preferred position. While Fati sees himself more suited to the left wing, Flick believes he has the skills to perform well in a central role as well.
Flick recalled how Fati had impressed in training back in July but acknowledged that the young forward now needs time to regain his form and confidence, emphasising the importance of being patient with him as he develops.
“I have spoken to him and he sees himself more in the left-wing position but he has great qualities to play in the centre as well. I saw him very differently in July and brilliant in training. Now he needs time and we have to look after him,” concluded the manager.
