Barcelona triumphed over Espanyol with a 3-1 win in the local derby, thanks to Dani Olmo’s brace and Raphinha’s finishing touch. Here’s what coach Hansi Flick and Pedri shared about the match:
Hansi Flick on the Team’s Performance:
"The second half? I told the team I would accept it because they’ve done great work so far, but on Wednesday we’ll have to play better and put on another great performance."
Flick acknowledged the team’s resilience, especially as they’ve now won four of the six matches they aimed to win after the October break, setting up an exciting finish to this goal.
"The derby is always tough. In the first half, the team showed a great level, but in the second half, we didn’t play as we usually do. We lost a lot of balls, and that’s one of the reasons Espanyol was able to score. We need to improve on this."
Flick emphasized the team’s struggle to maintain control in the second half, citing this as an area for growth, despite the valuable points gained.
On Key Players and Rotation:
"Gavi? It's important for Gavi to gradually get back in so he can be part of the starting eleven."
Flick confirmed Gavi’s gradual return as they ease him back into top form. Dani Olmo and Fermín Lopez were also praised, as was defender Íñigo Martinez for the defensive depth he brings.
"Olmo knows how to score goals... It's important for us to get our depth back. You can see that the defenders know how to play and have chemistry. We are in a good moment."
Flick’s appreciation extended to young talents like Casadó and Héctor Fort, whose continuous development has been a bright spot. He highlighted the importance of versatility and boldness in today’s game, especially from players like goalkeeper Iñaki Peña.
Pedri on the Significance of the Derby:
"It was a very important match. A derby that fans always love. The intensity we bring to the games – teams notice it in the second half. The defensive line does a spectacular job."
Reflecting on the match’s intensity, Pedri praised the team’s energy, particularly the defense, while also acknowledging the continuous work behind the scenes to improve consistency in his performance.
"There’s a lot of work that goes unseen... I think I’ve improved a bit in everything to try to achieve that consistency, and I’m happy to enjoy the ball."
As Barça keeps their momentum and aims to close out their six-match goal successfully, the squad’s depth and individual improvement are making a noticeable difference.
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