Flick lauds Espart’s poise as Barcelona maintain perfect La Liga start

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick praised Xavi Espart’s composure and tactical intelligence after his side beat Athletic Club in their first match back at Spotify Camp Nou, while insisting he had no involvement in the club’s reported interest in Julian Alvarez.

The victory gave Barcelona six points from their opening two La Liga matches and extended a positive start to Flick’s tenure. Speaking after the game, the German said he was delighted with the team’s performance and with the way they had collected maximum points.

“We have an idea to play in a more attacking way,” said Flick. “We played a great match and created a lot of chances, but we scored only two goals. Sometimes we have to be calmer and play more for the benefit of our team-mates.”

Espart was one of the players to receive particular praise from the Barcelona manager. Flick said he had been impressed by the player’s ability to operate on the left side as well as by his concentration and tactical understanding.

“I really appreciate what I see from him, and I am surprised by his ability to play on the left side as well,” said Flick. “He is always focused and, tactically, he is very, very good. I am extremely happy because he is a truly excellent player.”

Flick added: “I am slightly surprised by his calmness in the way he plays and in the way he approaches the match. It is a great thing. I do not think it is easy for any player to occupy this position, and he did a great job both with and without the ball. Technically, he is at a high level and I hope he continues on this path because he has enormous potential.”

The Barcelona boss also highlighted the quality of the club’s work on the training ground as a key reason for the team’s progress. He said passing exercises in groups and small-sided games were helping prepare the players for competitive matches, although he believed there was still scope for improvement when possession was lost.

“I think the most important aspect is the training sessions we have and the high quality we possess in those sessions, because that is what we really need,” Flick said. “The way we carry out our passing drills in groups and our small-sided games is excellent, and we later see the effect in official matches. However, there are still situations we can improve, especially when we lose the ball.”

Flick said he valued players who showed complete commitment to Barcelona and placed the interests of the team ahead of their own. He pointed to Eric and Pedri as examples of that attitude, while also noting the positive response from supporters.

“For me, it does not matter which position a player plays in; what matters is that he shows total commitment to the club and the team,” he said. “The fans also react to him in a wonderful way. There are other players who show the same commitment, such as Eric and Pedri. That is exactly what we need: players who do not think about themselves but think about others. The most important thing is to bring the team into every decision that is made.”

Flick distances himself from Alvarez discussions

Flick declined to comment on Atletico Madrid’s position in negotiations with Barcelona over Julian Alvarez during the transfer window.

“I do not want to talk about this subject. He is not a player in our team and I do not want to comment on it,” said Flick. “We have won the second match and I am happy about that.”

Asked directly whether Barcelona would sign Alvarez, Flick replied: “I do not want to talk about him. I was not involved in this matter. Deco and the others are responsible for doing this work, while I do my job and focus completely on what concerns me.”

The manager was also asked whether Barcelona needed a recognised number nine. He said he could not be certain that the match would have been settled earlier with such a striker, despite the chances his team created.

“I do not know whether we would have decided the match earlier with a recognised striker. I really do not know,” said Flick. “We had chances and played in the way I want. We have the ability and we have to improve, but we are defending well. Berni and Pedri are playing great matches, and perhaps I will start the next game with another number nine.”

Barcelona have now kept clean sheets in both of their opening league fixtures. Flick said the defensive display was another source of satisfaction, while stressing the need for continued communication and togetherness.

“We are defending very well, and this is the second match in which we have not conceded a goal,” he said. “We have to continue with our unity and communication, but I am happy with our level because we have collected six points.”