Hansi Flick: 'I don’t know why Lamine Yamal was annoyed, he’ll be happier on Wednesday'

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick expressed satisfaction with his team's recent victory against Atletico Madrid, a result that propelled them seven points clear at the top of La Liga after Real Madrid's earlier defeat. Despite the significant win, Flick noted that the post-match celebrations in the dressing room were subdued.

Flick generally approved of his team's performance, acknowledging the difficulty of breaking down a ten-man Atletico side. "We played against ten men, and they defended exceptionally well. We tried everything until we scored," he stated, highlighting the "very valuable" three points gained in a challenging atmosphere. He added, "Today we demonstrated our defensive and offensive strategies. We controlled the game, and good defensive rest was crucial. Gerard and Pau performed well across the field."

Regarding the newly established seven-point lead over Real Madrid, Flick remained cautious. "The team is happy; everyone knows these were big points today. But it's not over. Wednesday brings the next, very important game," he cautioned, emphasizing the need to stay grounded. He dismissed concerns about Real Madrid's results, stating, "I only focus on my team. Playing after an international break, with players returning from national duties, is challenging for all teams – us, Atletico, Real Madrid – but it's part of our job, and we must adapt."

Gerard Martin's Red Card Reversal

A contentious moment involved Gerard Martin's red card, which was subsequently downgraded to a yellow after a VAR review. Flick commented, "For me, it was clear he intended to clear the ball, not foul. Ultimately, VAR intervened, which was beneficial for us. I didn't see it as a red card."

Robert Lewandowski and Marcus Rashford Futures

Asked about Robert Lewandowski's potential contract renewal following his goal, Flick deemed it "looking a little too far." He expressed contentment with Lewandowski and the entire squad, reiterating, "For me, it is not done; we have eight games remaining." Similarly, when questioned about Marcus Rashford's future after his significant goal, Flick offered a similar perspective: "That's for the end of the season. Today he showcased his one-on-one ability, and he performed well. I'm pleased with Marcus; he needs to continue demonstrating his talent."

Lamine Yamal's Frustration

Despite the dramatic victory, Lamine Yamal was visibly frustrated upon leaving the pitch. Flick admitted, "I don't know exactly what happened. There was a lot of emotion." He praised Yamal's effort, adding, "Lamine tried everything to score; not everything was perfect, but he was always trying, always available. We have three days to prepare for the next match, and he will be in a better mood than today."

Flick on Bernal and Araujo Injuries

Addressing injuries to Ronald Araujo and Marc Bernal, who both left the field, Flick hinted at their potential availability for Wednesday's game. "Ronald is out at the end, Bernal had ankle issues. We must focus on our task. Every game is a challenge to win; it's not easy. We need that hunger and focus." He added about the upcoming Champions League match, "We know the Champions League is different; every player finds an extra 5-10% to give. We all aspire to reach the semi-finals. We have three more days to prepare and rest a bit for our home game. These are the games that make our job worthwhile."

Barcelona is set to host Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at Camp Nou, with the return leg scheduled for the following Tuesday at the Metropolitano.