Hansi Flick raises alarms about Raphinha: "He told me he wasn't feeling well"

A Hansi Flick in high spirits addressed the media in a press conference after Barcelona's thrashing of Girona (4-1). A victory that the coach attributed to his players. "It doesn't matter who plays, the idea is always the same. Today we played a great match. It was important to come back with that energy after halftime. The substitutions worked and I am happy", explained the German.

"I think we got our act together after the 1-1 and the substitutions, as I said before, helped because some players might have been tired", he added, confessing that "for me, the important thing is to win the three points today. We have players who are a bit tired and we substituted them, I think it was a good decision. I am very happy with the mentality we have shown".

"I spoke with him at halftime and he was very honest, he told me he wasn't feeling too well"

However, it wasn't all good news for the Catalans, as Raphinha did not see any minutes this Sunday due to a problem with his physical condition. "I think Raphinha has discomfort.  I spoke with him at halftime and he was very honest, he told me he wasn't feeling too well. Hopefully, if he feels better, he will be ready for the next match", revealed Flick.

One of the controversies of the match arose from Lamine Yamal's goal, which was attributed to Krejci as an own goal despite the fact that the shot from '19' was on target. When asked about it, the German firmly responded that, for him, the first goal of the match "is Lamine's".

Robert Lewandowski's great season

Regarding Lewandowski's brutal performance this season, Flick revealed that "I spoke with him at the beginning of the season. I wanted to know many things about what he thought, even on a personal level. It is important for players to know that coaches believe in them. Especially in the case of a striker. Every player needs to feel the coach's confidence".

"For me, everything has to revolve around the team, and I think the players are all rowing in that direction"

"He is at 100% fitness and I think, besides that, he is at an age where he works to be the top scorer, but what matters is the team. And the more matches we win, the more chances he will have to be the top scorer. And I see that he is focusing a lot on the team. For me, everything has to revolve around the team, and I think the players are all rowing in that direction. I think that is visible on the field", he added.

In addition to praising 'Lewy', the Blaugrana coach also showered compliments on Ferran Torres, who found the net again this Sunday. "I am also very happy for Ferran Torres. He is scoring goals and is very important for us", stated the German.

When asked what he told the Polish player at halftime, the coach stated that "I told him he had to score two goals and he did (laughs)... No, I think we played a good first half. We created opportunities, the foul or penalty play that I haven't finished reviewing... I thought I also had to motivate the players. But I am happy".

The good moment of Eric García and Frenkie de Jong

The German highlighted that "what excites me the most about the team is that they always want to score. Today, De Jong made a 90-meter run. The attitude of the players is excellent", before emphasizing the figure of the Dutchman. "I spoke with him from the first day. He had a terrible injury and I think he is very clear about what level he is at and what kind of player he is. He passes the ball, drives well, makes good decisions. He helps us in every match", he expressed.

Additionally, when asked if he feels responsible for the good moment that Eric García is experiencing in the City of Barcelona, the coach stated that "he is the one who has done well. He is very professional and what I love about him is that he is well connected with the rest of the locker room. Also, he can play in different positions".

The fight for LaLiga

Although his Barça seems to have no rival, Flick wanted to highlight the tough competition he faces in LaLiga. "It was important to show strength, but Madrid is a brilliant team too; and those who are coming from behind. I am very surprised by the high quality in the League. But we are focused on the objective. No one is dreaming in vain. What matters is the work", explained the German.

Regarding the maturity his team has shown in this second half of the season, the coach stated that "we are on the right track. We have improved a lot and we are making fewer mistakes. That is important".

Finally, the Blaugrana coach did not want to delve too much into the duel against Real Madrid. "There is still a long way to go until the Clásico. We have to show our strength and they theirs. In this League, surprises are possible", he concluded.