Flick after the victory against Mallorca: praise for Pedri and a clear message ahead of the Copa final against Madrid

Hansi Flick appeared in a press conference after the hard-fought victory of FC Barcelona 1-0 against RCD Mallorca at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. The German coach, after adding his twelfth victory of the year 2025 in LaLiga EA Sports, took the opportunity to address a significant number of topics related not only to the match, but also to his players and even the upcoming matches.

A tight victory against Mallorca, but deserved

Regarding the match itself, the German coach did not hesitate to highlight that, despite the tight score and the lack of effectiveness in front of goal, the Barça team did more than enough to take the three points. "We played a very good game. We had many opportunities, many chances to score. It was 1-0, but with a clean sheet, I'm happy," he said.

He even highlighted that he felt satisfied with what his players showed, beyond the lack of aim. "I think there were 40 shots in general. The way we played, we were very good. We created many chances, and we missed... but with all the changes we made... We did well. I'm happy. I always think positively, I never think we're going to lose," he began by saying.

"I think there were 40 shots in general. The way we played, we were very good."

In addition, the German coach valued Mallorca's style and acknowledged that they knew what they would face: "They made very good transitions and that is their style of play. We knew they were going to play that way. The most important thing was to control the game. It went well. Sometimes a 1-0 result is also good, the important thing is to defend better than in other games," he concluded.

Credit to Mallorca and their goalkeeper Leo Román

Beyond their own mistakes, Flick gave credit to the performance of RCD Mallorca, especially their goalkeeper, Leo Román. "The goalkeeper was very good, to be honest. I think the whole team defended. The way the team played was very good. We saw fewer mistakes than in previous games. I think we played a fantastic game," he warned.

Flick praised Pedri González's 'top' level

Hansi Flick took the opportunity to praise several of his players, starting with Pedri González, who once again had an outstanding performance, pulling the strings in the midfield and recovering balls. "It's difficult to say Pedri's limit. He is, right now, at a top level. Not only with the ball, but also when he doesn't have it. He helps us a lot in that defensive aspect and everyone knows how good he is," he noted.

"It's difficult to say Pedri's limit. He is, right now, at a top level. Not only with the ball, but also when he doesn't have it."

The German highlighted Dani Olmo's versatility

The native of Heidelberg did not miss the good performance of Dani Olmo, author of the only goal of the night, and highlighted his ability to adapt to different positions. "He can also be a false 9. He already did it against Betis, in the Copa. He has the quality to do it. His quality inside the area is fantastic," he emphasized.

Eric García surprises Hansi as a right-back

One of the experiments of the night was Eric García as a right-back, something unprecedented this season. "I am very surprised with the level he has shown today at right-back, it is another position he occupies. He is an important player for me and for the team. He is an excellent professional, he is fantastic in the dressing room. He is technically good and knows what to do. I am happy to have him," he asserted.

The management of minutes and the attitude of the substitutes

Flick also addressed the issue of players who have not had many minutes in recent weeks, such as Héctor Fort, Ansu Fati and Pablo Torre. "The case of Ferran is different, he plays often and wants to score. It's his nature. He was disappointed. Héctor and Ansu have played today, I had already planned it. I have talked to everyone. I understand that they are disappointed. Pablo is in the same situation. He could also have played, but the result was tight and the situation did not arise. I am happy that everyone is connected. They adapt what they train, and that is important," he pointed out.

"Héctor and Ansu have played today, I had already planned it. I have talked to everyone. I understand that they are disappointed. Pablo is in the same situation."

About Fort and Fati, who were starters against RCD Mallorca, he added: "They have contributed, and that will make them be in a better mood. We need all the players in the remainder of the season. They must continue working in training and it is good that they show how good they are."

Ansu Fati, an alternative that is exciting again

The German coach stopped especially in the case of Ansu Fati, who was again a starter with Barcelona after several months. "I think he has taken a step forward. His teammates help him, and the fans. It has been a great day for him. It will help him to have more confidence. It has been a good day for him and for us," he pointed out.

Rest for Jules Koundé

One of the surprises of the night was the absence of Jules Koundé. Flick explained that it was a tactical decision thought about the calendar. "Before a game, you plan some things. And today it has gone well to give him rest. We thought about giving him 30 minutes, but in the end he is a very experienced player and he will be at his level on Saturday," he confessed.

Focused on the Copa del Rey Clásico

Now, on the eve of the Clásico for the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid next Saturday, April 26, Flick avoided entering into controversies about the days of rest and praised the rival, including a great compliment to Carlo Ancelotti. "In the end it could be positive, and not be... we have played some with more rest, others with less... Real Madrid has an incredible team and one of the best coaches in the world. He has won everything. He is a gentleman, a gentleman and I have great respect for him. He is a fantastic coach," he acknowledged.

"Real Madrid has an incredible team and one of the best coaches in the world. He has won everything. He is a gentleman, a gentleman and I have great respect for him."

The goal is double: Liga and Copa

Flick closed his speech talking about Barcelona's aspirations in this final stretch of the season, with the Copa Clásico as the first great challenge. "Barcelona and Real Madrid are two great teams, of quality, and everything is usually decided between the best. In two weeks we will face each other several times. We want to win the Copa and LaLiga. It will not be easy, but we are focused on winning them," he sentenced.