Hansi Flick: 'We can be happy, but we have to keep moving forward'
This season has seen Hansi Flick bring a lot of joy to FC Barcelona fans. Real euphoria and excitement for having won LaLiga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup, delight that has continued with the extension to his contract until 2027.
Clearly the likes of Raphinha, Pedri and Lamine Yamal have been very successful, but the man in charge considers that the work and coaching has to continue in order to follow the correct path. Helping the team to function to achieve glory is one to the tasks that Flick has in his inbox for the years ahead in Barcelona.
We've taken a look at some of the topics covered by Hansi Flick as he sat down for an interview with the Club's media:
A season to be happy about
“We can be happy. It's really good to work with these fantastic players, but also for this Club. In the end, it's always like that for FC Barcelona, you have to win trophies”
Joy among FC Barcelona fans
“During the celebratory parade we saw a lot of people crying, because they were very happy and satisfied with the team, with what we have done this season. That is, for me, the great thing about our work. We can make others, the fans, the players, feel happy. Now I have the responsibility to get back to working hard next season. I feel I have to do that. It is my job and I will do that for them”
Able to get through the rough patch
“November and December were tough for us. But we remained calm and we believed in what we were doing. It was a difficult moment, but in the end we could carry on the right way. I said to the team that playing this way, would win again”
“Here in Barcelona it is like they were thinking too negatively. We lost, yes, but we played very well; I asked them to remain calm, to believe in the team, and then we would see what happened. I think that is the most important, that you believe in things, that you believe in the players, in the family. It's always like that”
The mindset of the squad
“They have quality, they are hungry, a good attitude, good mentality, and you can see there is a lot of potential. So we worked a lot on that, and we are doing many things in the right way”
“For me it is always good to see what happens in training because training is the most important. When you see there is attitude, that they like working, it is a good sign. We just try to improve every day”
Raphinha, Lamine Yamal and Pedri
“Raphinha needs confidence. He has quality but he also has the right heart, mentality and attitude. In addition, he always helps us in defence. He has a lot of potential”
“Lamine Yamal is a genius. But I think we have to help him because he is young, and now everything seems easy, but it is not easy. If you want to play at that level for the next 15 years, you also have to train and work very hard; you have to be at the top level mentally too”
“It is fantastic to watch Pedri play. Play improves with him. For me he could be one of the leaders in the coming years. I will help him to become that leader because he is a fantastic player, and I think he could be a fantastic leader”
The work by everyone
“The only thing I can do is give the best of myself. But then, I am not alone. I have many coaches, therapists, doctors, analysts... That is important. Were are a group of great experts, and we help the players to improve”
“It is important to have the best physical trainer, the best people in Barcelona, because it is a totally different philosophy. This player needs a philosophy that adapts to this philosophy of playing football, and for me, this is really the great work done by Deco too because he has brought guys with a lot of experience. Julio Tous is also one of best, maybe the best for physical. And also Germán or Pepe or Rafa, they are doing a great job”
Keep working to get better and win the Champions League
“It is not about perfection, it is about progression. When I see the team keeping improving, that is what I want. We are here to help each player to show the best version of themselves for this incredible Club”
“We work hard and try to reach the highest level, and that is the Champions League. In addition, we want to win the trophy. I know it isn't easy, but in the end we have to work hard, while also remaining together. We must show the great team we are, and we have to show it on the pitch, in defence, but also in attack, and that is what I want to see from the team”