Hansi Flick urges Barcelona to improve despite 5-1 Champions League win

Hansi Flick praised Barcelona’s performance in their first European match of the season but insisted the team still has work to do after a commanding 5-1 victory over Feyenoord on Wednesday.

Barcelona delivered an emphatic statement to the leading clubs in Europe by defeating their Dutch visitors at Spotify Camp Nou in the opening round of the league phase of the Champions League.

Raphinha scored twice, while Karim Adeyemi, Lamine Yamal and Gabriel Jesus were also on target as Barcelona produced a five-goal display. The result gave Flick a positive start to the club’s European campaign, although the German coach maintained his usual focus on the areas that must be improved.

Speaking to Movistar after the match, Flick highlighted the atmosphere within the squad and praised the players’ work ethic. He also singled out Lamine Yamal’s contribution, particularly after the forward scored while serving as Barcelona’s captain.

“There is a good atmosphere in the team, and I am happy for Raphinha and Lamine Yamal,” Flick said.

He added: “Lamine played a great match. He scored a goal and was the captain of the team.”

The result represented an impressive opening to Barcelona’s Champions League league-phase campaign. Their five-goal performance also sent an early warning to the major contenders across Europe, with the Catalan side combining attacking quality with a convincing result in front of their home supporters.

Flick believes the team’s current level has been built through a combination of demanding preparation and technical ability when in possession.

“We have reached this level through hard and meticulous work, as well as a high level of skill in possession,” he said.

Despite his satisfaction, Flick was keen not to allow the scoreline to disguise the need for continued progress. The manager said Barcelona must maintain the same standards in training while identifying the specific aspects of their game that require attention.

“We can improve, and we must improve; that is what we have to do,” Flick said. “We must continue training with the same intensity and quality. Now we have to identify the areas where improvement is needed.”

His comments reflected the balance in his assessment of Barcelona’s display. Flick expressed clear satisfaction with the team’s performance, its attitude and its ability to handle the ball, while also stressing that the squad cannot stand still after one impressive European result.

“I think we are working very well, and with great commitment,” he said. “We have a very high level of quality in dealing with the ball. I am very happy about that.”

Barcelona’s victory over Feyenoord therefore provided both encouragement and a challenge: encouragement because of the scale of the result and the contributions from Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Karim Adeyemi and Gabriel Jesus; and a challenge because Flick expects the side to continue improving as the Champions League campaign develops.