Barcelona ended their La Liga title-winning season on a sour note, falling 3-1 to Valencia at Mestalla on the final day.
The defeat did nothing to alter the destination of the trophy – the Blaugrana finished as champions with 94 points – but it was not the send-off Hansi Flick had in mind, particularly given it was also the last match of Robert Lewandowski’s Barcelona career.
Flick did not hide his frustration in the press conference after the defeat to Valencia.
Flick’s verdict on the defeat
The German was direct in his assessment of what went wrong at Mestalla.
“We made easy mistakes and they took advantage of them. Valencia’s victory is more than deserved.
It was the last match for Robert Lewandowski at Barcelona. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
“We were not 100% concentrated. They were hungrier than us — Valencia’s victory is deserved,” he said.
He was keen to separate the result from the broader picture of the season, but made clear it would not simply be brushed aside either.
“That does not affect the good season we have had. I’m disappointed, but the season has been good. But it’s good to analyse things from this match — it wasn’t a good performance.”
He pointed to recent weeks as an example of the standard he expects, contrasting what he saw on the final day with the mentality that had driven the title run.
“In recent weeks, when we managed clean sheets and very serious games, it was very good. Seeing Bernal and Gavi when they came back from injuries has been great. It’s the mentality I want from the players, to see that mentality.”
“Champions never stop being champions.”
Looking ahead to next season
With the World Cup now around the corner and the squad set to disperse for the summer, Flick used the occasion to send an early message about the demands that will be waiting when pre-season begins in July.
Lewandowski is looking forward to the season ahead. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
“The World Cup is a big event and the players are focused, but next season will be tougher and I want everyone 100% focused.
“Now we can go to the World Cup or on holiday and rest, but what counts is Barca and when we return we will continue our journey and I want 100% commitment from everyone,” he added.
Flick added that Barcelona are indeed prepared for the season ahead, urging players to show the same level of commitment.
“I am prepared, I have that hunger. I want the players with that commitment, that everyone — players and staff — can give their best for this badge.”
On Lewandowski, who scored his final goal in a Barcelona shirt on the day, Flick was full of warmth for the departing Pole.
“Of course, he deserved to say goodbye on the pitch. He’s always in the right position, you can see it, and that’s why he scores so many goals,” he said.
Finally, he saved his final words for Marc Bernal, a player he has consistently championed throughout the season and one he clearly sees as central to what comes next.
“He has the mentality that Barca need and he is ready. Next season he must take another step forward,” he concluded.
Source: Mundo Deportivo