Barcelona might hardly have requested for a extra convincing begin to their La Liga title defence.
A 5-0 win away at Elche gave Hansi Flick’s aspect three factors, 5 targets and loads of causes to really feel optimistic in regards to the season forward.
Raphinha and Fermin Lopez each scored twice on the Martínez Valero, whereas Karim Adeyemi additionally discovered the online as Barcelona made a strong assertion of their first league outing. But the end result was solely a part of the story.
With Barça taking part in and not using a recognised centre-forward, questions over the membership’s plans for a brand new No. 9 stay firmly alive.
Flick additionally used his post-match press convention to reward Raphinha’s management, clarify the state of affairs surrounding Alejandro Balde and supply an replace after Gavi was pressured off with a knock to his proper knee.
Barcelona discover solutions and not using a conventional No. 9
The largest speaking level earlier than the match was how Barcelona would cope and not using a pure centre-forward.
On that be aware, Raphinha led the road and as soon as once more confirmed why the supervisor trusts him in such an unfamiliar position.
Nonetheless, Flick made it clear that the dialogue over a attainable new Barcelona No. 9 just isn’t over. The German coach mentioned,
“We’ll have to speak to Deco and we now have to do no matter’s finest; that can be subsequent week.”
For now, although, Flick was eager to take pleasure in a end result that provides his gamers an early enhance.
“We’re delighted with the improbable begin we’ve made; it offers us confidence. I’m happy with the 5–0 win and the three factors.”
There have been additionally points of the efficiency he wished to enhance.
“I used to be involved about turnovers. We needed to management the ball, and ultimately, a clear sheet is improbable, and 5 targets is nice,” defined the coach.
Raphinha earns particular reward
Raphinha was undoubtedly one of many stars of the night time, however Flick’s reward centered as a lot on his work with out the ball as his two targets.
“For me, Rafa is a participant who units a superb instance of depth,” Flick mentioned.
The supervisor then defined why the Brazilian has turn into such an necessary chief throughout the Barcelona squad.
“When he does that, the remainder comply with him. That’s a captain. He’s a captain.”
Flick was additionally filled with reward for Xavi Espart, who was handed a stunning begin at left-back in Balde’s absence.
The Barcelona supervisor highlighted the teen’s flexibility and high quality on the ball, saying.
“He can play on the fitting, on the left. He is aware of what he has to do and is improbable on the ball; he does every thing effectively.”
On Balde and Gavi
The state of affairs involving Balde stays much less clear. Flick denied stories suggesting that he had instantly instructed the full-back to depart Barcelona.
“I haven’t instructed him he has to depart,” he clarified.
The supervisor added, “I’ve a sense – and I believe it’s finest for him – that he ought to suppose issues by, replicate, get his ideas so as, after which we’ll speak. And we each agreed on that.”
There was additionally concern for Gavi after the midfielder was pressured off following a knock to his proper knee.
Flick pressured that Barcelona would wish to attend for medical assessments earlier than concluding, though his preliminary replace provided some hope.
“We’ll have to attend and see in regards to the knock he’s taken to his proper knee. However he gave the impression to be doing higher. We’ll keep watch over it,” he concluded.
Supply: Mundo Deportivo
