Hansi Flick Makes Surprise Claim After Barcelona Beat Las Palmas

Barcelona secured an important 2-0 victory against Las Palmas to maintain their position at the top of the La Liga table, but Hansi Flick was far from satisfied with his team’s performance.

Despite claiming all three points, the German manager admitted that Barcelona fell short of the standards he expects, stressing that there is still progress to be made if they are to fend off challenges from Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid in the title race.

Goals from Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres in the second half were enough to secure the win, but Flick’s post-match comments reflected a desire for more dominance and efficiency from his team.

Barcelona’s Hard-Fought Victory Over Las Palmas

Barcelona had to remain patient in this encounter, with Las Palmas proving to be a tough defensive unit in the first half. The Catalan giants struggled to find attacking fluidity, and their attempts to involve Lamine Yamal more actively in the game were often disrupted by the compact and well-organized defensive shape of the hosts.

The breakthrough came after an hour of frustration, with Dani Olmo smashing the ball home off the underside of the crossbar following brilliant work from Yamal. The 16-year-old winger breezed past Aitor Muñoz before delivering a perfectly weighted assist for Olmo, who made no mistake with his finish.

In stoppage time, substitute Ferran Torres sealed the win with his fifth goal of the season, making the most of his limited minutes in La Liga. Despite the victory, Hansi Flick’s reaction after the match made it clear that he expects more from his team going forward.

Hansi Flick’s Reaction: Barcelona Must Improve

Flick Demands a Higher Standard from His Team

Speaking to reporters after the game, Hansi Flick admitted that Barcelona’s performance was not up to the level he desires.

“We didn’t play a very good game, but we won 0-2, and that’s good. With the three points, the road back is easier to face. At half-time, we explained to them what to do better in some situations, and we talked about what wasn’t being done as we wanted. The players were good.”

Despite acknowledging the importance of securing the win, Flick emphasized that Barcelona must improve if they want to maintain their advantage at the top of La Liga.

“We’re very happy with the three points, but not so much with our performance. It’s normal that I’m tired. But we’re still leaders in La Liga. And in the end, we want to progress and be better.”

The Barcelona manager’s comments reflect his high expectations for his squad, especially with the likes of Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid chasing closely behind.

Dani Olmo & Ferran Torres: Key Contributors Off the Bench

Dani Olmo’s Return to the Scoresheet

One of the positive takeaways from the match was Dani Olmo’s goal, which marked an important milestone in his return from injury.

“The goal is very important, for us and for him,” Flick stated. “He didn’t play more before because he was injured, and the others were also a little better in terms of fitness. We are happy for him. It was a good goal for him.”

Olmo’s presence in Barcelona’s attack provides Flick with an additional creative outlet, and his performance against Las Palmas could be a sign of more important contributions to come.

Ferran Torres: Making an Impact Despite Limited Minutes

Another player who caught Flick’s attention was Ferran Torres, who came off the bench to score Barcelona’s second goal. The Spanish forward has been linked with a potential €30m move to Chelsea, but his goal-scoring record in limited game time proves his value to the squad.

“I’m happy with Ferran. He has scored many goals even coming off the bench. It’s not easy for him, but he always has the opportunity to earn a place in the starting XI.”

Torres has been a consistent contributor despite limited minutes, and his performance against Las Palmas may strengthen his case for a regular starting role under Flick.

Barcelona’s Title Ambitions: Areas for Improvement

While Barcelona’s win keeps them in control at the top of La Liga, Flick’s concerns suggest that there is still work to be done. Here are some key areas where the team must improve:

1. Breaking Down Defensive Blocks More Effectively

Las Palmas frustrated Barcelona with their compact defensive setup, limiting Yamal’s influence in the first half. Flick’s team must develop more creative solutions to break down deep-lying defenses, especially in tough away fixtures.

2. More Consistent Attacking Efficiency

Despite having 67% possession, Barcelona struggled to create clear-cut chances in the opening 60 minutes. Flick will demand more urgency in attacking movements and decision-making in the final third.

3. Squad Depth & Rotation

With a busy schedule ahead, Barcelona’s squad depth will be tested. Flick’s careful rotation of players like Olmo and Torres could be crucial in ensuring the team stays fresh and competitive in multiple competitions.

What’s Next for Barcelona?

Upcoming Fixtures & Challenges

Barcelona must now prepare for their next challenge as they continue to battle Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid for the La Liga title. With tough fixtures ahead, Flick’s men will need to maintain consistency and improve their overall performance levels.

The German manager’s high standards reflect his ambition for Barcelona, and it remains to be seen whether his squad can rise to the challenge in the coming weeks.

For now, Barcelona remains at the top of La Liga, but as Flick has pointed out, they will need to continue progressing if they are to secure the title at the end of the season.