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Debut with victory of the Hansi Flick’s Barçaa team that did not convince, but whose journey has just begun. With experience – and a double of Robert Lewandowski–, the blue and red team came back in Mestalla an adverse result (1-2), something that is never easy. And he did it without Ilkay Gundoganwho was unexpectedly not called up. Barça reported that this was due to the cut he suffered on his eyebrow during the Gamper last Monday.
Flick revealed further details. “Gundogan suffered a cut on his eyebrow on Monday. We made the decision to keep him at home. I talked to him about how he feelsI appreciate the player he is and his person. We talk about everything, but it stays between him and me. I have a feeling it’s going to stay“, the German coach concluded.
Comeback at Mestalla
The Barça boss has highlighted, above all, the final result of the match. “In the end, it’s three points. To start with, they are very important. We made a lot of mistakes that Valencia took advantage of in the first half.“We did much better in the second half,” Flick said.
Barça players celebrate Lewandowski’s double against Valencia EFE
The scorer of the two goals in the comeback was Robert Lewandowski. His name is in doubt, especially because of his age and ability to press the opponent. The Barça coach does not agree with those who criticise the Polish striker: “Lewandowski is an absolute professional. He has put in a lot of effort in defence and that is very important. We have to attack as a team and defend as a team. Today he scored the goals in the penalty area, where he loves to play.“.
La Masia, on the rise
A veteran has unblocked the match. But one of the best has been the youngster Marc Bernalwho was accompanied by Marc CasadóThe pair have passed a difficult exam, in which they were the starting players. Flick has made it clear: he doesn’t care where the players come from.
Marc Casadó regrets in Mestalla after missing a scoring chance EFE
“Many players have come from the Olympic Games, from the European Championship. The players from La Masia showed in the preseason that they were ready. Today they did it again“, said the Barça manager.
‘Laminemania’
The other name that stands out is Lamine Yamal. The young Barça winger has had better matches, but he goes home with an assist and with the applause of Mestalla when he was substituted. Flick has surrendered to the Barça striker in a press conference.Lamine Yamal is a fantastic playerIt’s very important for us. We have to do many things better, but it’s just the start of the season. We have to work on trust.
Lamine Yamal during the match against Valencia EFE
The interior position has been occupied by Raphinha, something that, for the moment, is not definitive.Lamine could be an option as an inside midfielder. He and Raphinha can play in many positions.“It is important for us to find solutions now,” he said.Lamine is a great player. Everyone loves watching him play.“, Flick said with a smile.
“These three points will be good for us, I saw it in the locker room. It was a great battle. It was a high-intensity match. and I think we deserved the three points,” concluded the German coach.
