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Barcelona advanced to the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey with a resounding 5-1 victory over Real Betis.
It was a demonstration of empowerment on the part of the Catalans, who had just won the Spanish Super Cup against Real Madrid.
Speaking to the media after the match, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick addressed questions about his team selection and the way forward.
Hansi Flick’s press after the match
“After the great victory over Real Madrid, it was important to see how the team would react. It’s good to see how we played from the beginning.” Flick began (h/t Mundo Deportivo).
“I liked the team’s performance throughout the game. We knew that after Sunday’s victory it could be difficult because we could be completely disconnected.
“But we saw the team’s mentality. The players are very professional and know what they have to do at all times.” the coach added.
Flick went on to explain some of the changes he made against Real Betis, including starting Robert Lewandowski on the bench.
“Lewandowski was rested” Flick confirmed this, ruling out any possibility of injury to the veteran Polish striker.
“[Dani] Olmo knows how to play as a 9 and he did it with the Spanish team. “Lewandowski was not an option today and the plan worked well.” he added.
Ansu Fati, for his part, once again failed to fit into the team. Speaking about the struggling striker, Flick said the player must prove he is fit enough to start.
“I decide based on what I see in training. It’s not easy for Ansu despite his good start to the season but then he got injured and then he got injured again. So he has to train and show that he is improving and that is the situation.” ,” said.
Meanwhile, there were certain green shoots for Barcelona, regarding Frenkie de Jong and his performance against Real Betis.
“I’m very happy that he played today and put in this performance. I also think it’s a good step for him in the right direction. “That’s what I see and what I saw, and I talked to him after the game and he’s happy.” Flick said about De Jong.
The performance against Betis will undoubtedly be a confidence boost for the Dutchman, whose future at Barcelona has been in the spotlight in recent weeks.
Another future with an uncertain future at the Camp Nou is that of Ronald Araujo, who is on the radar of multiple clubs throughout Europe. Flick, however, was coy about the defender’s future.
“I think he has a contract for another year and a half. So I never doubted it. I don’t know, I’m glad it’s here. I’m glad it’s here and we’ll see what the future holds.
“At the moment he is fine. Today you can also see that the fans appreciate his return. And of course, the team too. “It gives us something special.” said.
Meanwhile, the German praised Pedri for his tireless work in the center of the park.
“Pedri is everywhere. It’s incredible how he understands football. When you see the numbers you realize that he runs a lot and also does extraordinary things with the ball.” said.
Pedri’s midfield partner Gavi has recently attracted attention with his statement about Lamine Yamal, as he labeled the young attacker the “best footballer after Lionel Messi.”
When asked about this comparison, Flick said: “As you know, Gavi is very emotional, that’s why I say yes too. You can see that. I think that in important games you can see that he has great talent and he has shown it many times.“
“He is doing very well. But as you say, we have to take care of him because he is still very young.” he said about Pedri.
Finally, the Barcelona coach offered his opinion on the sudden crisis that the team suffered at the end of 2024, in which the team lost three home games in a row.
“As I always say, we are a young team and we learn from every game and today I also think they tried to pressure us and we did well. We played with confidence from the back and developed the game very well, so it’s very good to see that.
“The team is very young. Things like the ones we saw at the end of the year can happen. We have to think about the next game and trust in our abilities.“, he concluded.
