FC Barcelona crushed FC Seoul in the second friendly of the Asian tour (3-7) in a match where Iñigo Martínez and Eric García, both starters against Vissel Kobe (1-3), did not play. Ronald Araujo and Jules Koundé took their place in the starting XI, while Andreas Christensen and Héctor Fort entered in the second half.
In the post-match press conference, Hansi Flick revealed the reason why both the Basque and the Catalan stayed on the bench in Seoul. Each player had 45 minutes. It was more important to take care of Eric and Iñigo, who had discomfort. In the end, I am very happy," argued the coach.
Among the outfield players, the other without minutes was Pedro Fernández, 'Dro', scorer in his debut against Vissel. Those who did add minutes in the final stretch were the cousins Toni and Guille Fernández. Both entered for Gavi and Roony Bardghji in the 78th minute.
Hansi Flick, happy with Gavi's level in the preseason
Regarding the Andalusian, Flick was happy with the level he has been showing during the preseason. The '6' scored the partial 2-6, assisted by Gerard Martín, pulling off a masterful control to adjust to his left foot, taking a low shot.
"What I have seen from Gavi is exactly what I want to see, pushing the team, as a captain... We already saw him at the end of last season and he was at a very good level. He can play without problems as a '6' or '8'," argued the German coach.
Similarly, the coach assured that the team improved with the changes in the second half. Although Barça started the match with a couple of goals in the opening quarter of an hour, they then relaxed more than necessary and allowed Seoul to equalize before the break.
"In the first half, we had a good start and then we were a bit lazy, but we returned to a great level in the second half, with Gavi, Ferran, Marcus...", explained Flick. For now, the 'culés' average 5 goals per game on the tour, but have conceded 4 goals (2 per game).
Barça will rest before thinking about the last match of the tour
On the other hand, the 'azulgrana' coach highlighted the good performance of Gerard Martín. "He performed well in a position that is not his usual one." The Catalan defender, still wearing the number '35' (he must change it because his card will now be from the first team), was Christensen's partner in the center of the defense during the second half.
Although Barça conceded a goal at the end, the 23-year-old defender was attentive in marking and even indulged in assisting Gavi. On Friday, the squad will have a day off before preparing the last friendly of the tour, next Monday, August 4 against Daegu FC (13:00 CEST).