Hansi Flick has won his first three competitive matches as FC Barcelona coach. However, the 59-year-old did not feel like celebrating after the 2-1 win in Madrid
FC Barcelona could not have made a better start to the new competitive season. The Catalans already have nine points after three La Liga games and will definitely be the sole leaders after the third matchday.
But Hansi Flick’s expression did not match this result. The fact that his team defended “well, but not perfectly” in the 2-1 win against Rayo Vallecano only bothered the former national coach to a limited extent. He was much more concerned about a potentially serious injury to high-flyer Marc Bernal.
In the seventh minute of the twelve minutes of stoppage time, the 17-year-old had a brilliant tackle on the touchline – and then fell to the ground with his face contorted in pain. The tall six-man had to be supported by two supporters. His left knee was no longer able to cope
In Spain, a cruciate ligament injury is already expected. “We’ll have to wait and see how serious it is,” explained Flick: “He played a great game. It looks like he’s not feeling well. We won, but nobody is happy about it right now. We have to wait for tomorrow. Nobody in the changing room is feeling well at the moment. “
Warning with Pedri – Dani Olmo makes “the difference ”
Bernal made his La Liga debut on the first matchday under Flick and has started three times in a row so far. His absence would come at an inopportune time given the closing of the transfer window and the departure of Ilkay Gündogan (back to Man City).
Goalscorer Pedri, on the other hand, who was substituted in stoppage time, merely “picked up a knock”. The European champion should be available again for the home game against Real Valladolid on Saturday
The fact that Dani Olmo celebrated a perfect debut as a substitute with the winning goal was something that Flick was also keen to mention. “We had more control of the ball with him, we combined better. He was very good,” praised Barcelona’s head coach: ”He secured the ball for us and also scored a goal. He made the difference.”
Meanwhile, it remains to be seen whether another new summer signing will join the squad. Following the long-term absence of Andreas Christensen, the Catalans are said to be looking for a central defender in particular
