Barcelona’s emphatic second-half show within the Champions League spherical of 16 was an announcement of intent.
Underneath Hansi Flick, this facet is starting to indicate a mix of management, maturity and tactical readability that has typically been lacking in current European campaigns.
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The supervisor was visibly happy with how his gamers responded after the break, particularly given the challenges posed by Newcastle’s depth and transitional menace.
The truth is, Flick rewarded the squad for his or her efforts by giving the gamers a time off. “They deserved it,” he mentioned after the sport.
Analysing the match
Regardless of such a convincing show on an enormous European evening, Flick was fast to shift the main target away from hype.
Whereas many would now think about Barcelona among the many main contenders for the title, he pressured the significance of enjoying in opposition to Atletico Madrid within the quarter-final.
“The quarterfinals shall be very powerful; nothing is simple within the Champions League.
“We’ve to take it one recreation at a time, simply as we did final season and are doing this season.”
On Joan and Eric Garcia
Joan Garcia was taken off in opposition to Newcastle United. (Picture by Eric Alonso/Getty Pictures)
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There was additionally concern surrounding the health of key gamers Joan and Eric Garcia, each of whom picked up knocks in the course of the match.
Flick, nonetheless, prevented hypothesis and remained calm in his evaluation.
Offering a quick replace, he said, “It doesn’t appear critical, however we’ve got to attend. The membership will present the knowledge.”
Half-time group discuss
A significant turning level within the match got here at halftime, when Flick adjusted each the tactical method and the group’s positioning.
Barcelona had struggled within the first half, significantly in opposition to Newcastle’s fast transitions, however the second-half transformation was evident.
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Explaining what went flawed initially, Flick admitted, “We performed too instantly within the first half. They’re good at transitions, and we weren’t dealing with it properly.”
He then revealed the directions that he gave to his gamers. “I informed the gamers that we had been enjoying too excessive up the sphere the entire time.
“I informed them we needed to press them, then management the ball and play deep after we might. And it labored out properly.”
On Lewandowski
Curiously, Flick additionally make clear the group’s relaxed method to penalty-taking tasks.
Lewandowski scored twice. (Picture by Alex Caparros/Getty Pictures)
He defined, “Whoever feels as much as it. They resolve amongst themselves, and I believe that’s high quality.”
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Lastly, there was reward for Robert Lewandowski, who discovered the web once more on an important evening.
The Polish striker has confronted scrutiny this season, however Flick made it clear that his significance goes past simply objectives.
“It hasn’t been a simple state of affairs as a result of he and Ferran are judged by their objectives. I’m glad he’s scoring once more.
“I’m glad he scored within the Champions League. We’ve many gamers who’re essential to us.
“He has expertise, and he’s an amazing goal-scorer. His first purpose, in opposition to a robust defence like Newcastle’s, was spectacular,” he concluded.
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