Flick says Raphinha’s movement is ideal for Barcelona as Yamal completes 90 minutes

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick praised Raphinha’s energy and movement after the Brazilian scored his third goal in two matches as a striker, while explaining that Lamine Yamal played the full game to improve his fitness.

Raphinha helped Barcelona beat Athletic Club 2-0 at Spotify Camp Nou on Thursday in La Liga, with Flick highlighting the forward’s contribution to the team’s tactical plan.

“He is performing really well; he is great, dynamic and very useful for us,” Flick told reporters in the mixed zone. “His intensity, his running and his value in this goal are perfect for us.”

Raphinha has now scored three goals in his past two appearances when deployed as a number nine. Asked whether he was the best centre-forward Barcelona could have this season, Flick was unwilling to make such a definitive judgement.

“We do not know that,” he said. “For me, when we have a game plan like this and rely on Raphinha as a number nine, or any other player in that position, it is important that we follow our plan.”

Flick also said Yamal’s 90-minute appearance against Athletic Club was part of the teenager’s physical development.

“I think it was good for Lamine to play 90 minutes because, in these circumstances, we are also continuing to improve the physical side,” the German manager said. “That was the idea today.”

The Barcelona boss acknowledged that the demands of the match had taken their toll by the final whistle.

“Of course, you could see at the end that all the players were very tired, but that is normal,” Flick added. “That is football, and we give everything we have.”

Flick avoided offering a detailed assessment of Barcelona’s Champions League draw after the victory. The club will face Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City and Aston Villa, but the manager said his attention had been focused entirely on the match against Athletic Club.

“We will have time to talk about the Champions League, but it looks like a great group of games for watching good football,” Flick said.

“To be honest, when you tell me these names, yes, I know Paris Saint-Germain, and I also know Manchester City and Aston Villa, but I do not have the full picture at the moment because my focus was on today’s game.”

He said Barcelona would discuss the challenge in the coming days before concentrating on the first opponent they must play.

“I think we have enough time over the next few days to talk about it because the most important thing for me is that we know who we will face first,” Flick said. “Then we take things step by step.”

The victory over Athletic Club kept Barcelona’s immediate focus on their domestic campaign, with Flick emphasising the importance of carrying out the team’s plan and building the physical condition of his players as the season progresses.