Hansi Flick talks Raphinha, Rodri and goalkeeper surprise selection after Barcelona 3-1 Sevilla
· Yahoo Sports
For the first time this season, Barcelona were made to work for their 3-1 victory over Sevilla in La Liga, but they eventually managed to secure the three points.
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Flick mentioned after the game that he was satisfied with how his team responded after an unusually sloppy first half.
Barça repeatedly surrendered possession too cheaply before half-time, giving Sevilla opportunities that Flick felt should never have existed.
After the break, however, the Catalan club rediscovered their control, and Rodri did a great job of helping the team out in this regard.
Flick explains Barcelona’s turnaround
As quoted by SPORT, Flick had plenty to say about hat-trick hero Raphinha, Rodri and an unexpected goalkeeper selection in the form of Dominik Livakovic.
“The match wasn’t easy, especially in the first half. But I also think we didn’t play at our level in the first half. This isn’t the quality we have in our passing. We lost too many balls too easily, and because of that we always gave them an option and an opportunity to attack,” Flick said.
“The second half was much better. We controlled the game, and then going 2-1 ahead was perfect,” he added.
Hansi Flick started Livakovic over Szczesny against Sevilla
Asked what he told his players at half-time, Flick stressed that Barcelona had fallen below their own standards.
“It was a difficult match, especially in the first half, and we also lost the ball too often and too easily. This isn’t our usual level or the standards we set for ourselves. We had to do things much better in the second half, and that’s what happened.”
The improvement clearly changed Flick’s experience on the touchline.
“I have to say that, for me, the second half was a really great game from us. We controlled everything, and I was much calmer on the touchline,” he said.
And while Barcelona have made emphatic victories look almost routine recently, Flick was happy to take a more hard-earned result.
“Come on, we played away from home and I’m happy. Last season we lost here 4-1. This season we won 3-1, and I think we can be happy with this result.”
Flick delighted with Raphinha
Raphinha was again central to Barcelona’s victory, and Flick admitted his admiration for the Brazilian dates back to before they worked together.
“For a long time I wasn’t working as a head coach. When I saw Raphinha for the first time, I said, ‘Wow, what a player.’ I’m not surprised by what he’s doing because he’s a unique player,” Flick said.
“Just like Lamine. Lamine is also incredible. But Raphinha has the dynamism, he has everything that fits the way we want to play.”
“So yes, that’s good. Today you could also see that the final pass was always played perfectly. That’s why he can score goals, and I’m very happy about that.”
Flick was equally enthusiastic about the news that Raphinha is set to extend his Barcelona contract until 2030.
“I think for the club it’s the best decision. It’s the best decision,” he said.
Raphinha and Lamine had yet another good display against Sevilla.
“When you also see how connected he is with the fans and with the team, I think he’s a perfect leader for this team and for this club.”
“He gives everything. And especially this season, what he’s doing is incredible.”
Raphinha’s use as a No. 9 has become another important feature of Flick’s attack.
“Raphinha gives us a lot, and his dynamism is at the highest level. He’s also good without the ball,” Flick said.
“I think after these numbers, after these eight matches, he’s very happy playing as a No.9.”
Flick explains Livakovic decision
Flick also addressed his surprise decision to select Dominik Livakovic rather than Wojciech Szczesny after hinting that the latter was the second choice just last game.
“As you know, sometimes it’s not only about analysing everything. Sometimes it’s also about the feeling,” he explained.
“I think my feeling today was like this, so I spoke with the coaches and then we made this decision.”
“So it’s about the feeling. It doesn’t mean that we analysed it and decided that we don’t believe in Szczesny or anything like that. But for me, today, I think this was the right decision.”
Flick insisted the selection should not automatically be interpreted as a permanent change in the goalkeeper hierarchy.
“He was good. But in the end, it’s a decision I made, you know. I said that before, of course. Sometimes you see a player and you feel that this player might perhaps be the first option in this position, and you make a different decision. That’s what happened.”
“It’s not such a big thing. This decision is only for this match.”
Along the same lines, Flick also made a broader admission about the difficulty of managing Barcelona’s depth.
“In the end, to be honest with you, for me this is the hardest thing at the moment. I know everyone can be happy because we have enormous quality in the squad. But for me it’s not easy,” Flick said.
“When I look at the bench and see that Gavi won’t play, Xavi can’t play, Kounde can’t play, Szczesny can’t play, it’s not easy.”
“It’s not easy for me either because I’m close to everyone, I’m with everyone, and still I have to make these decisions. In the end, that’s how it is.”
“I’m always thinking about the team. There is nothing personal. It’s about the team. That’s why we made this decision. In the end, yes, that’s my job. But it’s not easy at the moment.”
Rodri had a brilliant game against Sevilla. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Rodri bringing control to Barcelona
Flick finished with strong praise for Rodri, whose ability to dictate the rhythm became particularly valuable once Barcelona took command.
“For me, he’s a fantastic player. He’s very important for us. I think he controlled everything,” Flick said.
“But when we have the ball, it’s also good sometimes to slow the game down a little bit. That helps give more calmness to our positional play.”
“I also think he communicates very well with the others, and also with the two centre-backs.”
The most encouraging part of Barcelona’s night was undoubtedly the performance of the former Manchester City midfielder.
Barça did not overwhelm Sevilla from the first minute. They corrected themselves, regained control and won a difficult away game.
This is precisely what they failed to do in the same stadium last year, and Flick would be happy to see his team learn from their mistakes and keep their perfect winning record intact heading into the international break.