Flick explains Lamine's substitution and controls the euphoria for the festival against Athletic

FC Barcelona advanced to the final of the 2026 Spanish Super Cup after putting on a real show in the 'semis' against Athletic Club (5-0). In the post-match press conference, Hansi Flick assessed the exhibition of his players in Jeddah, with four goals in the first 38 minutes and a second half that was largely inconsequential, although, true to his custom, he tempered the euphoria generated by such a resounding result.

"I always appreciate when we play as a team, when we play for each other. That's the key," the Barça coach began. In that regard, he added:

"We were in good positions, we created many chances in the first half, and it was a beautiful thing to see. But it's just one game"

Flick praises Barça's effectiveness and mentality against Athleti

Likewise, Flick praised the team's collective mentality and commitment to defending and attacking as a unit, without conceding easy chances at the back or wasting opportunities in the opponent's box.

"I am happy because we scored the goals very quickly, it gives you confidence and we can control the match. Furthermore, it is good for us to compete in this way and generate this situation," he argued regarding the streak of nine consecutive victories in all competitions.

Barça arrives in the Super Cup final in high spirits, seeking their first title of the 25/26 season, the fourth of the Flick era. For Sunday, the German coach expects to have Lamine Yamal back in the starting lineup, who was a substitute against Athletic as a precaution.

Reasons to take care of Lamine Yamal in the semifinal

Regarding the decision to substitute Roony Bardghji for the '10', Hansi Flick ruled out any muscular problems related to the pubalgia the winger is suffering from. In fact, the player from Mataró played the last 18 minutes, as did Dani Olmo

"Lamine had some discomfort in the last two days. He couldn't train because of it and that's why he stayed on the bench. It has nothing to do with an injury, it was stomach problems"

Yamal's substitution, fortunately, had no impact on Barça's offensive performance. Roony scored one goal and provided two assists in the 72 minutes he was on the field, performing at a high level as a right winger alongside Fermín López, Raphinha, and Ferran Torres.

The four attacking players, in fact, scored in the match. In the second half, Marcus Rashford also had minutes, while Robert Lewandowski remained on the bench. Regarding the Pole's current situation, Flick was also clear about his role in the squad and his future at the club.

The Future and Role of Lewandowski at Barcelona

"Robert is at a good level, he trains well and scores goals," he commented about the '9'. When asked about Ferran Torres's starting role in recent matches and the possible departure of 'Lewy' in the summer, he assured that:

"We have two players who can play in that position. I'm not going to say he's going to leave the team. Why? We'll see what happens at the end of the season"