Flick praises Barcelona’s European start but warns there is still room to improve

Hansi Flick says Barcelona must build on their impressive 5-1 victory over Feyenoord in their opening Champions League league-phase match, while continuing to work on areas that require improvement.

Barcelona made a emphatic start to the new Champions League format, securing three points at the first opportunity with a convincing win over the Dutch side.

“There are things we can improve and we have to do that,” Flick told Mundo Deportivo. “What we have to do is continue working hard and with quality in training, and now we have to look at the things we need to improve.”

The German was pleased with the atmosphere within the squad and also highlighted the performances of Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.

“The atmosphere within the team is good, and I am happy for Raphinha and for Lamine Yamal,” he said.

Yamal scored for Barcelona and also wore the captain’s armband during the match. Flick said the teenager’s display was particularly encouraging.

“Lamine Yamal played a good match, and also as a captain, and it was great for him to score this goal,” added Flick.

Raphinha scored twice, while Yamal, Karim Adeyemi and Gabriel Jesus were also credited among Barcelona’s five goals. Sem Steijn scored Feyenoord’s only goal.

Flick believes Barcelona’s strong performance is the result of the work being carried out by the squad, particularly when they have possession.

“We are at this level because we are working very well and with great seriousness, and we have great quality when we have the ball,” he said.

“I think the team performed well in its European appearance, but there are always things we can improve.”

The result gave Barcelona their first three points in the league phase of the Champions League, which has replaced the competition’s previous group-stage format.

However, the Catalan club’s defensive record in Europe remains a concern. Barcelona have conceded at least once in each of their past 16 Champions League matches, their worst run in the competition’s history.

The victory also extended an impressive scoring sequence at the start of the campaign. Barcelona have scored 22 goals in their first five competitive matches this season, a tally they have reached for the first time since 1959-60, when they scored 23 in the same number of games.

Yamal’s contribution to Barcelona’s first team has also reached a significant milestone. The forward has now been involved in 101 goals for the club in all official competitions, scoring 54 and providing 47 assists.

His goal against Feyenoord came on a night when Barcelona combined attacking fluency with a commanding result, although Flick maintained that the team’s work is far from complete.