Hansi Flick talks Ferran, Atletico Madrid, title race after Barcelona 4-1 Espanyol

Hansi Flick talks Ferran, Atletico Madrid, title race after Barcelona 4-1 Espanyol

Barcelona brushed aside Espanyol 4-1 at the Spotify Camp Nou to extend their lead at the top of La Liga to nine points with seven matches remaining.

Ferran Torres was the standout performer, netting twice in the first half, before Lamine Yamal and Marcus Rashford added further gloss.

The result came just days before the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Atletico Madrid, with Barcelona needing to overturn a 2-0 deficit from the first leg.

Speaking to the media after the game, Hansi Flick offered his thoughts on the Espanyol win and the road ahead, including the second leg tie against Atleti.

What Flick said after Barcelona’s win over Espanyol

The German identified two clear halves to the evening, satisfied with the first and candid about the second.

“Today, the important thing was to win and get the three points. We dominated the first half and had a chance to make it 2-0, but what happened afterwards wasn’t what we had planned.”

“The story of the game was different than expected after the break. The substitutions of Olmo and Frenkie helped us to have more control,” he said.

Barcelona’s increasingly potent threat from set pieces has become a talking point this season, and Flick offered a simple explanation for why it is working.

“It’s true that we’re scoring a lot of goals from set pieces. We don’t have the tallest team, but it’s a matter of space and putting the ball there,” he said.

Ferran Torres has endured a difficult season in terms of criticism, and his first-half brace was a welcome moment for both player and coach. Flick was delighted for him, while also addressing the noise that had surrounded the forward.

“I’m happy for Ferran and also for Lamine’s and Rashford’s goals.”

“The most important thing is to protect the players. We’ll be criticised, but we have to manage it. It’s not easy, and sometimes it’s unfair, but it’s part of our job. It’s part of my responsibility. Ferran is in good form, and that’s a good thing,” he said.

Hansi Flick was delighted with Ferran Torres’ goals. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

With Atletico having played against Sevilla in between the two legs, Flick was asked about the difference in preparation time. He did not want to linger on it, turning his attention instead to the next match.

“We have two days to recover. In the first half, we managed the game well and controlled it. We’ll fight against Atletico, and I don’t think we need a miracle to advance,” he said.

He pointed to something that happened within the match itself as a reminder of how quickly things can turn in football.

“Everything is possible in football; after the third goal today, we immediately scored the fourth. We need our perfect game.”

On the tie itself, Flick made clear he has not given up on anything.

“Atletico is a fantastic team, but we’re great too. We’re going to fight for it. We want the semifinals, and we know we need a huge performance from the team,” he added.

The nine-point gap in La Liga prompted questions about whether the title is already won. Flick refused to see it that way.

“It’s not over yet. Nine points are good, but there’s still a long way to go. I refuse to think it’s a done deal. We want to play well in every match, and then the rest will follow.”

“Even if we won the league early, we have to keep playing at our highest level. The mentality is good, and the style is too. Let’s see how it plays out on Tuesday,” he said.

When asked directly whether only Barcelona could cost themselves the title, Flick pushed back firmly.

“We have to think positively, not negatively. We’ve had a lot of injuries, but I always see it in a positive light and say that what we’ve achieved is fantastic,” he said.

“We have the quality to win, but we must maintain the same attitude and mentality. I’m positive about winning the league, but it’s not a done deal,” he added.

Finally, on the injury front ahead of Tuesday, Flick confirmed Gerard Martin will be available and left the door open on Frenkie de Jong.

“We’ll talk to him and the medical staff; there are two days of training left, I don’t know right now,” he concluded.

Source: Diario SPORT