Flick praises Barcelona’s fast start as Galatasaray test awaits

Barcelona manager Hans Flick said an early goal was crucial to his side’s confidence as they returned from the international break with a 3-0 victory over Getafe in La Liga.

Barcelona secured their eighth win from eight league matches at Camp Nou, with Anthony Gordon, Gabriel Jesus and Jules Kounde scoring the goals.

“Scoring an early goal today was extremely important for gaining confidence,” Flick said at his post-match news conference. “Usually, returning after the international break is difficult, but we put in a very good performance.”

The German added: “I greatly appreciated what I saw from the team. We want to control the match and the opponent, and we did that very well.”

Gordon also scored for England during the international break, and Flick believes the forward is benefiting from that form.

“Anthony Gordon has gained more confidence,” he said. “He also scored goals during the international break with the England national team, and it is great that he contributed with a goal to help us achieve the victory.”

Barcelona now turn their attention to a Champions League meeting with Galatasaray on Tuesday, with Flick expecting a very different atmosphere and level of competition.

“We will face Galatasaray on Tuesday, and we will play in the loudest stadium in the world,” he said. “We have to prepare for that. The Champions League is a different competition, and every team taking part has a very high level.”

Flick also praised Gerard Martin after the defender made his 100th appearance for Barcelona.

“Gerard is a player with a great mentality,” Flick said. “He trains well and always wants to improve. We have helped him develop a lot, and the progress he has made is remarkable.”

He added: “I am very happy with him. This is the approach we want to follow with players coming through the La Masia academy.”

The result moved Barcelona to 24 points at the top of La Liga after eight wins with a perfect record. Getafe remain on eight points in 13th place.

Egypt international Hamza Abdelkarim came on in the 82nd minute, replacing Jesus.

Jesus has scored three goals in six appearances for Barcelona in all competitions, with each of his goals coming from one of his three shots on target.

That gives him a 100% conversion rate for shots on target, the highest among all La Liga players this season.

Jesus is also second among Brazilian goalscorers in La Liga this season with three goals, behind Raphinha, who has scored 14.