FC Barcelona secured their seventh consecutive victory in LaLiga against Osasuna (2-0) to match their best run in the tournament since Hansi Flick took the helm. In the post-match press conference, the German coach praised the Blaugrana's triumph, thanks to a Raphinha brace in the second half.
"It's important that he scored the two goals, for me and for him. He's a very important part of our team. They were defending deep and it was difficult to create space. But when we had it, we took advantage; that's where Pedri and Raphinha's quality comes in," began the Barça coach.In this regard, Flick avoided talking about Real Madrid, who, in the midst of a results crisis, visit Alavés on Sunday (21:00 CEST). Xabi Alonso's team is obliged to win to prevent Barça from pulling away 7 points ahead in matchday 16
Flick's 'Dart' at Real Madrid and Clear Objectives for the End of the Year
"I'm not going to talk about the rivals. It's good that we won today and that we have three more points of advantage and put pressure on them. They are seven points behind," Flick said regarding the 'Merengue' team. He added:
"It's fantastic to see the team like this, after a few difficult weeks. We're also playing better. We've got players back. I don't care about the opponents"
Similarly, the Barcelona coach made it clear that the team remains focused on the last two matches of 2025. The sights are already set on their Copa del Rey debut against Guadalajara and, afterwards, on the visit to Villarreal next Sunday
"I don't think too much about the other teams. This is a long season. We want to go to Villarreal and win too. They play very well and we have to go there and believe in our strengths. We put pressure on the others, but it's not our objective. We want to win," he explained about the visit to the 'Yellow Submarine'.
Flick keeps the doubt over the Barça goal in the Copa del Rey
Regarding the Copa debut, Hansi Flick avoided giving details about who will occupy the Barça goal next Tuesday against Guadalajara. Wojciech Szczesny missed the match against Osasuna due to gastroenteritis, while Ter Stegen made his first league call-up this season.
In principle, 'Tek' should be the starter in the Cup, thus forcing 'Matts' to look for a team in the winter market. However, everything will depend on the Pole's progress in the coming hours"We haven't decided yet if he will be the Copa's goalkeeper. We have plenty of time to decide. It's important that Szczesny is available, then we'll see who plays"
Second clean sheet for Barça in the last 17 games
On the other hand, Flick downplayed the defensive issue, although he applauded the work of Pau Cubarsí and Gerard Martín, as well as Joan García in goal. Barça has just played their second game without conceding in their last 17 appearances, but the manager is focused on the game and the results obtained.
"The most important thing is the three points. We controlled the game, we had over 80% of the ball. We didn't have the best chances, but we scored two goals," argued the man from Heidelberg.However, he also acknowledged that "It's good to keep a clean sheet. We've been good defensively. Congratulations to the whole team for how they defended."
"The entire back line and Eric have also been fantastic. He's had a huge game. Gerard has improved a lot and Cubarsí... how he plays at 18 years old. Congratulations to La Masia for the work with the young players"