Hansi Flick warns rivals of his FC Barcelona: "We are back"

The FC Barcelona achieved a crucial victory against Rayo Vallecano (1-0) to regain the top spot in LaLiga and significantly increase their chances of lifting the title at the end of the season. After the match against the franjirrojos, Hansi Flick addressed the media in a press conference and praised his team's impressive triumph.

"I am a little tired, we played against a great rival, we did a great job and we are very happy," the German began. "The players are happy, of course, we are all very happy. We can do better, but they had gone nine games without losing and today was a great success for us. Achieving first place is very positive, we are back", he added.

"Achieving first place is very positive, we are back"

The coach, aside from the euphoria generated by having taken the lead in the standings, also wanted to convey calm by stating that "it is a long road. We are very happy for the fans. The most important thing is to fight until the end. Being leaders does not change anything if we do not continue fighting. We must maintain this momentum".

The German also did not want to comment on the 'controversial' actions claimed by Rayo, such as the clear penalty committed on Iñigo Martínez, and limited himself to saying that "I have not seen the situation. We have VAR and I believe in VAR, that is all I can say".

Flick commented on Lewandowski's anger and Koundé's benching

Regarding the reaction of an angry Robert Lewandowski when substituted, Flick stated that "it is my decision. He always wants to stay on to score more goals. I am very happy with his performance, today he scored a very important goal. I decide and they have to accept it".

"Before matches, we have two or three meetings. It is not too difficult to arrive early"

Additionally, he referred to Koundé's benching and confirmed that it was due to another delay from the Frenchman in the pre-match talk. "Before a match, I want everyone to know what they have to do on the field. Before matches, we have two or three meetings. It is not too difficult to arrive early. I want to talk to him. He arrived late and it is a clear house rule, and that is what happened today. It is out of respect for teammates, the club, and the fans," he commented.

Flick spoke about the great present of Pedri and Szczesny

Pedri once again delivered a stunning performance against Rayo and was named MVP of the match. Regarding the great form of the Tenerife native, Flick stated that "physically it is thanks to the good work of Julio (Tous) and his team. They have done a spectacular job. It is also due to Deco, who signed everyone. Pedri had an outstanding match, he is extraordinary".

"I am very satisfied with the performance of the whole team. It is easy to rotate players. That is very important and it is what I convey to the team. Especially at this point in the season," he added.

Finally, the German praised Szczesny and Iñigo Martínez after another clean sheet for Barça, the third in the last four matches. "Tek made saves that allowed us to keep a clean sheet. A clean sheet changes our mentality. We have improved. Today Iñigo also played a decisive role in not conceding," he concluded.