Barcelona manager Hansi Flick said he was proud of his players after they earned a stunning 4-0 win at Real Madrid on Saturday, handing its bitter rival a first defeat in 42 La Liga games and grabbing Barca its first Clasico triumph since March 2023.
Flick said that he was delighted with the victory, which wrapped up a remarkable week for the club, beating two European powerhouses in commanding fashion having also thrashed Bayern Munich 4-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday.
“I’m delighted to be working at Barcelona and to live in Barcelona. It’s a fantastic job, I’m very happy…We have played a fantastic game and I am so proud,” Flick said.
“We pressed better with, and without, the ball.
“We had more possession, and that’s why the game changed,” Flick said.
“The defensive effort was key. We have trained a lot to defend with a high line, and worked on how we want to press with the ball. It’s also important not to leave spaces when you play Real Madrid, because they do have incredible players.
“I think we are doing well. We are sticking to our plan, and, right now, we are fluid and we want to move forward.”
Barcelona has 10 victories from 11 league matches, despite missing several injured players, some of whom have started to return.
“I would say at the moment we’re in a flow,” reiterated Flick.
“The atmosphere is really good and the mentality in the team is really outstanding.
“We can celebrate this win. I gave the players two days off. It’s a good day to celebrate this, but also to be focused on the next matches we have.”
Robert Lewandowski snatched two goals early in the second half to help Barcelona take control, with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha rounding off the rout.
“Of course Robert showed his quality in front of goal, he was really good for us,” said Flick.
“It’s about the team, they defend well and they attack well as a team.
” (The players) followed our game plan, and it was really great to see.”
Agencies