Flick analyzes the win and the emotion of the return to Camp Nou

Flick opened his remarks by emphasizing that the team had responded “with character and maturity” in such a special context. He explained that the coaching staff’s main priority was preventing the festive atmosphere from distracting the players. “We knew the emotion could play in our favor, but also against us. I asked them for absolute focus from the first minute”, he noted.

A team connected from the start

The coach praised the team’s intensity in the opening minutes, especially the high pressing that allowed Barça to recover the ball quickly and overwhelm Athletic on the wings. For Flick, Lewandowski’s opening goal was “key to releasing tension” and confirmed that the team had entered the match with the right mindset. He also dedicated words to the fans, who filled the new stadium hours before kickoff. “We felt their energy from the locker room. This stadium has something special, and tonight it proved it again”, said the coach, who admitted he experienced the atmosphere “with contained emotion, but emotion nonetheless.”

Individual performances and the tactical surprise

One of the most discussed topics in the press room was the decision to place Eric García in the double pivot, a choice that surprised even some within the squad. Flick explained that he was looking for “a profile capable of offering clean buildup and breaking lines from deep,” and considered the experiment to have worked “extremely well.” Regarding Lamine Yamal, who provided two assists and produced a brilliant moment in the second goal, the coach called for calm. “He’s a talent that appears once in a very long time, but we must protect him. His match was magnificent, but the most important thing is that he’s learning to make better decisions”. He also highlighted the performance of Fermín, whom he described as “one of the most disciplined players in the squad.” Flick said his goal and overall work rate were “the image of the Barça we want to build.”

Sancet’s red card and controlling the second half

Regarding Sancet’s straight red card, Flick avoided controversy. He said the challenge looked “very harsh” live but added that he always respects refereeing decisions. With a numerical advantage, his team opted for calm, controlled football. “It was important not to rush or turn the match into an unnecessary exchange. We did what we had to do: manage, move the ball, and wait”. The return of Raphinha was another talking point in the press conference. Flick confirmed that the Brazilian had been training well for several days and that giving him minutes late in the game was “the natural step” to help him regain rhythm. “He came back with ambition, and that always helps,” he said.

A message for the future

Before leaving, Flick reminded everyone that the victory, no matter how impressive, must not distract the team from its long-term goals. “Tonight we all enjoyed it, but tomorrow we go back to work. This stadium deserves a competitive Barça every week”, he concluded. With a renovated Camp Nou, a passionate crowd, and a team increasingly solidifying its identity, Flick’s press conference reflected the perfect balance between excitement and demands. A monumental night that, according to the coach, should be only the beginning of something even more ambitious.