FC Barcelona struggled more than expected to defeat Valladolid (1-2), a victory that brings the 'culés' closer to the Liga title. After the match, Hansi Flick expressed his satisfaction with the 'azulgrana' victory, thanks to goals from Raphinha and Fermín López.
"The objective is three points and I am satisfied to have added them. Mission accomplished", the coach began by saying. For Flick, it is clear that the rotations conditioned the 'azulgrana' game in the first half.
"When there are many changes, the automatisms are also different. I have been able to reserve players", argued the 'culé' coach. Barça, finally, was able to turn the result around in the second half, with two goals in six minutes.
Likewise, the Barça coach lamented the injury of Dani Rodriguez, who was only on the field for 38 minutes in his debut. "He has demonstrated his quality, I hope he returns as quickly as possible. I am sad because he recently recovered from an injury"
Flick, satisfied with his rotation plan in Valladolid
Despite having had to use the bench earlier than expected due to Dani Rodríguez's injury and the disadvantage at halftime, Flick was satisfied with how the rotation plan turned out.
"Pedri and De Jong was clear: 45' and 45'. Raphinha has also rested 50 minutes, Lamine... It is good for them to have rhythm too", argued the 'azulgrana' coach.
Added to this, he admitted the extra wear and tear that starting the game losing from the 6th minute meant. "It wasn't easy because they defend very close to the goal. At halftime I explained to them what had to be changed and the second half was a bit better".
And, with respect to the team's performance, the coach ruled out feeling disappointed by the performance of any of the starting substitutes this Saturday. "When you make nine changes it is not easy for the players, they are young. I believe in them", he commented.
In addition, he added: "I have confidence in the team, it was not easy. There has been some mistake, quick transitions, but Araujo and Christensen have had a good game and Ter Stegen, too".
There is no debate in the goal: Szczesny, starter in Champions League and the Liga Clásico
On the other hand, the coach made it clear who will be his starting goalkeeper in the two decisive matches of next week, in the Champions League against Inter and the Liga Clásico against Real Madrid. From now until the end of the season, there will be no debate in the goal.
"Szczesny will play the Champions League and the match against Real Madrid", said Flick, who also congratulated Ter Stegen for his work. "In the second half he has shown how good he is. He has been very good".
Finally, the coach referred to the physical condition of Gavi, who asked for the change a few minutes from the end due to a possible muscular setback, although it seemed more due to fatigue from the match.
"It is not an injury. He is fine. Anyway, they will examine him tomorrow", pointed out a Flick who also valued Barça's attitude on Saturday. "I don't like teams that relax with an advantage. I am very happy with the mentality and attitude we have".