Flick: We're delighted with the display, Raphinha? He's one of the best

Hansi Flick spoke at the press conference ahead of Levante-Barcelona, which will be played this Sunday.

Here is what the Barcelona coach had to say...

The excitement among Barcelona fans

"We’re very happy to be playing at this level, but we know we have to prove it in every match. We know our quality, but we have to maintain the mentality, focus, intensity..."

Is there room for improvement?

"Our goal, and what we want, is to be better every day, for everyone to stay hungry to improve."

An exciting start to the season

"For me, this is the way we want to play. We know everything can change quickly. We are one hundred percent committed and we want to keep going like this."

Rotations against Levante?

"It’s part of the game. The players have to accept it. In every position we have two or three players who can play, and that has to be accepted. The other day against Feyenoord I was very satisfied. We’re in a good moment and we have to keep it that way."

Cesc’s praise for Barcelona’s style of play

"We’re focused on what is in our hands. I’m also impressed by Cesc’s Como. I watched the match against Leipzig and they did very well. We’re only thinking about the next match. It’s important to have this mentality of taking it game by game. We’re on a good path, but it’s a long road until the end of the season."

The striker: Raphinha, Gabriel Jesus, Hamza...

"We have three different profiles. Adeyemi, Dani Olmo, Fermín or Gordon can also play there. There are many options. Rapha is playing fantastically, on another level. It’s incredible. He’s one of the best in the world."

Does it bother you that you’re not being asked about Levante?

"It’s your job to know what you want to ask me, not mine (laughs). It will be a good match to compete against a good team."

Hamza Abdelkarim’s contract renewal

"He’s a player who performed in preseason, he competes with the rest of the players in that position. He’s a different profile in this team. He’s a great asset for the club’s future and we wanted him in the team."

Do you have a better squad this year?

"Yes. It’s better than last season. We always talk about the attack, but defense is important too. When I look at the back line with Rodri or Bernal, or in midfield. After the World Cup, Cubarsí has been fantastic. He’s confident, focused. He has improved physically. He’s very important in this position. On the ball he is playing very well. Our number 1 (Joan García) is also doing a great job."

Physical preparation

"It’s a new philosophy. We take into account the movements the players make on the pitch. New coaches have arrived, but the quality in the team and the work are good. The energy is very positive. All the players can feel it. We’re at a high level."

The fans’ happiness with your renewal

"I’m only the coach. The footballers are the ones who play. So far everything is going well, I’m happy. I’m not the most important piece at the club, the players are. Because of their mentality and attitude."

The mental switch between Champions League and LaLiga

"Nothing has changed. This year they want to win the Champions League. That is our objective. But LaLiga is also important. Winning it three times in a row would be incredible. For me, it’s more about how we train every day, what we show, and staying in good shape. How I recover, how the body recovers, how I eat, how I sleep. This is important when playing every three days. Taking care of the body and the mind. They have to think that it is good for them. We have many experts paying attention to support them so they are in the best shape for the next match. The days between games are very important. You can see the new gym, which will be finished soon, and we will have more space to do better things for recovery. Step by step, this is not only about what the players have to do. We have to do things for them."

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

📸 JOSEP LAGO - AFP or licensors