Hansi Flick praised Barcelona’s dominant performance after they thrashed Valencia 5-0 at Mestalla on Sunday, but warned his players they must improve their game management despite maintaining a perfect start to the La Liga season.
Barcelona controlled the contest from the opening stages and produced another emphatic attacking performance to move three points clear at the top of the table. Lamine Yamal scored twice, while Pedri was also among the scorers as the Catalan giants continued their impressive campaign.
Flick wants better control from Barcelona
Despite the commanding scoreline, Flick was keen to focus on areas where his team can improve as the fixture schedule becomes more demanding.
“It was a great match, we controlled it from the start,” Flick said after the game. “We dominated the run of play, and that’s what I aspire to.”
The German coach urged his players to become more efficient at managing matches rather than relying too heavily on their direct attacking approach.
“I don’t know if it’s necessary to say this after we won 5-0, but we need to try to control the match better,” he said. “There are many matches, and you always have to manage your energy.”
Barcelona’s strong start has produced 17 goals in four league matches, while they have conceded only twice. Flick, however, insisted the points remain more important than individual statistics.
“For me, it’s only about the three points,” he said.
Yamal shines as Barcelona stay unbeaten
Yamal was again central to Barcelona’s attacking threat, scoring twice as Flick’s side dismantled Valencia at their home ground.
Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski kept the hosts in the contest with a save from Rodri before Pedri added Barcelona’s fourth goal following a combination with Dani Olmo.
Flick was also pleased with how his players handled difficult conditions, with temperatures reaching 34 degrees Celsius.
“It’s good to see that, and we managed to control the match. We are happy,” he said.
The coach also defended the referee’s decisions after Pau Cubarsí, Rodri and Fermín López received yellow cards.
“The first one, the one Cubarsí received, was deserved,” Flick said. “We have to accept it, and the referee did a great job.”
