Flick hails Barcelona’s defensive authority after Aston Villa victory

Hansi Flick said Barcelona’s disciplined defending was central to their 3-0 victory over Aston Villa at Camp Nou on Tuesday, with the German manager particularly pleased that his side kept a clean sheet in their fourth league-phase match of the UEFA Champions League.

“Aston Villa are a great team,” Flick said at his post-match news conference. “We defended well and we are happy with our defensive performance. We kept a clean sheet and the back line played at an incredible level; they defended everything. Joan Garcia did the same.”

Flick said the team’s response to difficult moments was more important than simply focusing on mistakes or defeats.

“It is not about making mistakes or losing, but about how you react,” he added. “The next step is always the most important one.”

Barcelona’s manager also praised the collective work of his players, highlighting the compact shape they maintained without the ball.

“We have to keep working; everyone’s performance was excellent,” he said. “The space between the lines was narrow, we were compact and we defended well close to our goal. It was outstanding.”

The hosts’ approach was also designed to force Aston Villa into errors, which Flick said created the opportunities that led to their goals.

“We wanted to press them and make them make mistakes, and that is where the goals came from,” he explained. “That is our way of playing; it is our philosophy. The win was important. You can see that we have confidence whether we have the ball or not.”

De Jong’s gradual return

Flick welcomed the return of Frenkie de Jong, while stressing that the midfielder’s fitness still needed to be managed carefully.

“It is very important to have him back,” he said. “He is performing well, and you can see that in training. His fitness is not yet at full strength, which is normal. We have to manage it gradually.

“We want to have plenty of quality in every position, and with him we have that in two positions.”

Raphinha appeared to be in discomfort when he was substituted, but Flick said the change was not because he was angry with the Brazil international.

The manager explained that Raphinha had been affected by events in Tenerife, where striker Jesus de Miguel died.

“Raphinha was affected by what happened in Tenerife, and so were we all,” said Flick. “We send our deepest condolences to his family, the club and the supporters in this tragedy. I think it affected Raphinha personally.”

He added: “Everyone thinks I was angry with him and that is why I substituted him, but that is not the case. What I mean and what I feel is that it is not always easy to put everything to one side and stick to the plan. We are human beings, and things like this affect us.”

Flick said Raphinha was enjoying a good spell in terms of his level of performance and hoped he would return from the international break in good health.

“If he comes back from the break healthy, that would be great for us and for him too,” he said. “I am very happy for him and wish him the best. That would also be fantastic for us.”