Hansi Flick Calls for Improvement Ahead of Champions League Despite Derby Victory

Following Barcelona's 3-1 win over Espanyol in the Catalan derby, manager Hansi Flick emphasized the need for improvement in his team’s performance, particularly in the second half. The victory allowed Barcelona to extend their lead at the top of LaLiga to nine points, with Dani Olmo scoring twice and Raphinha adding another goal before halftime. However, the second half presented challenges for Barcelona, as Espanyol managed to pull one back through captain Javi Puado in the 63rd minute, despite having two goals disallowed after VAR reviews.

Flick acknowledged the team’s strong first-half showing but expressed disappointment with their performance after the break. He stated, "The derby is always complicated. In the first half, the team showed a great level, and in the second half, we didn't play as we usually do." He pointed out that Barcelona lost possession too frequently, which contributed to Espanyol's ability to reduce the deficit. As Barcelona prepares to face Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League, Flick stressed the importance of a more cohesive and focused performance.

Despite his concerns, Flick recognized the significance of the victory, marking Barcelona's 11th win of the season and bringing their goal tally to an impressive 40 in just 12 LaLiga matches. This statistic is notable as it ranks among the highest in the club's history for this stage of the season. Flick concluded by reiterating the importance of maintaining concentration and improving their game ahead of their upcoming European fixture.