Hansi Flick had no shortage of praise for his players after Barcelona’s convincing 3-0 victory against Osasuna. This win pushed them three points ahead of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga. The match, which had initially been delayed due to the sudden passing of club doctor Carles Minarro Garcia, saw Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, and substitute Robert Lewandowski all finding the back of the net, helping Barca to a smooth win.
Having previously expressed concerns over the match’s timing right after the international break, Flick was pleasantly surprised by his team’s performance at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium.
“I’ve mentioned before that the mentality of our players is outstanding,” Flick remarked. “They’re a joy to work with, and you can see it shine through in every game.” He further added, “These guys have fun, they truly enjoy playing together, and that’s exactly what you want to see.”
Flick was also quick to commend young midfielder Gavi, who stood out this season after recovering from a serious ACL injury. “Gavi played a phenomenal match,” Flick noted. “It’s been a challenging year for him after the injury, but he’s shown incredible focus and professionalism. He’s truly an exceptional player for this club.”
Despite the victory, Flick’s earlier concerns regarding player welfare seemed vindicated when Dani Olmo had to leave the pitch in the first half due to an injury. This now raises questions about his availability for Barcelona’s upcoming crucial matches, including the Copa del Rey semi-final against Atletico and the Champions League quarter-final against Dortmund.
Flick reiterated his earlier position, even while celebrating the win, calling it “a great moment.” He emphasized, “Today wasn’t an ideal day to play. We secured the win, but at the cost of Dani Olmo’s injury.”
Looking ahead, Barcelona is set to host Girona on Sunday, as they continue their pursuit of the championship.
