FC Barcelona cut Real Madrid's lead to just 3 points in LaLiga thanks to their thrashing of Celta (2-4) at Balaídos. Despite conceding goals for the tenth consecutive match, the Blaugrana offense once again responded on a always difficult ground. After the match, Hansi Flick acknowledged the defensive errors in the first half but praised the reaction in the second.
"Football doesn't count what you did in the past. The second half will give us confidence for the future. We put good pressure on the opponent. I'll take the second half, we defended better," the Barça coach began saying in the post-match press conference.
In that regard, he acknowledged the importance of closing the gap with Real Madrid. "What we do is look at ourselves, but it's good to put pressure on the opponent. I'm happy because winning before the break is very good."
Praise for Lewandowski, laments for De Jong
On an individual level, Flick applauded the offensive contribution of Robert Lewandowski, MVP of the matchday with a hat-trick. Although the manager understands it is too early to talk about the '9's future at the club (his contract ends in June), he acknowledged his improvement after returning to the starting lineup.
"I've seen a different, positive Robert. He's returned ahead of schedule. It's good for his confidence. And it's important for us too. Today he scored three goals, and last season he was also very important."On the other hand, the Barça coach lamented Frenkie de Jong's expulsion. The Dutchman will not be available against Athletic after receiving two yellow cards on Sunday, the second for stepping on Iago Aspas in the 90+5'.
"He played a good game today, he controlled the match and what he did is very important. He is playing at an incredible level. It's not good not to have him in the next match. He is an important player, but we have to manage him," argued Flick, who opened the door to the returns of Raphinha, Pedri, and Joan García after the break.
The Importance of the Break to Correct Defensive Errors
Likewise, Flick acknowledged the importance of going into the break with a win and not another setback. The rest over the next two weeks will allow the team to recover players and correct defensive errors, although the coaching staff dismisses attributing the problems at the back to absences, as well as giving extra importance to the noise generated by goals conceded
"I believe we have improved and are on the right track, in LaLiga and in the Champions League. We always analyze everything. And we will also do so with today's match, in which we haven't done everything well," stated the Barça coach.