"I didn't like this match," Flick said about the La Liga opener on 16/8. "Barca got three important points, but I didn't like it. After going up 2-0 and playing against eight men, the players only used 50% of their ability. We should have done better."
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Flick (center) embraces his counterpart Arrasate before the Mallorca 0-3 Barca match on the evening of 16/8. Photo: MD |
Flick (center) embraces his counterpart Arrasate before the Mallorca 0-3 Barca match on the evening of 16/8. Photo: MD
At the Son Moix stadium, Barca took an early two-goal lead thanks to Raphinha in the 7th minute and Ferran Torres in the 23rd. Between the 33rd and 36th minutes, Mallorca lost two players in quick succession, with Manu Mornales receiving a second yellow card and Vedat Muriqui a straight red. However, Barca failed to capitalize on their advantage and maximize the scoreline. It wasn't until the 90+4th minute that the reigning La Liga champions sealed the 3-0 victory thanks to a solo effort from Lamine Yamal.
According to Flick, the players only playing at 50% of their capacity when they had a two-man advantage was a sign of complacency. "I don't like them relaxing and letting their guard down," the German coach added. "We should have played faster, controlled the game, and scored more goals."
As Torres was about to make it 2-0, the Mallorca players stopped, thinking the referee would blow the whistle for a stoppage. Moments earlier, center-back Antonio Raillo had gone down seemingly dazed after being hit in the head by a shot from Yamal. The referee's decision to award the goal to Torres sparked controversy from the Mallorca side.
According to Flick, Mallorca was entirely at fault for conceding the goal. He asserted that players must remain focused until the referee blows the whistle.
In the second half, Marcus Rashford made his first official appearance for Barca. However, the English newcomer disappointed, slipping, miscontrolling the ball, and missing a chance.
"It wasn't a good match for Rashford, as there wasn't much space," Flick said. "The players were only at 50%."
After the La Liga opener, Barca leads with three points and a +3 goal difference. Rayo Vallecano and Villarreal are right behind with a +2 goal difference. Real Madrid will play their first match on 19/8 against Osasuna.
Thanh Quy (according to Marca)
