Saturday, November 16, 2024 08:30 PM
Barcelona starts LaLiga strong with seven wins, but Hansi Flick insists on the need for improvement and praises goalkeeper Inaki Pena.
Barcelona has kicked off the LaLiga season with an impressive record, achieving seven consecutive victories. However, despite this strong start, manager Hansi Flick believes there is still significant room for improvement. Following a narrow 1-0 win against Getafe on Wednesday, Flick expressed his thoughts on the team's performance and areas that need enhancement.
In the match against Getafe, Barcelona took an early lead thanks to star striker Robert Lewandowski. The team showcased their dominance by controlling nearly 80 percent of the possession and launching 16 attempts on goal. However, they squandered several chances to extend their lead, and the visitors nearly equalized with a counter-attack in the closing moments of the game. Currently, Barcelona sits at the top of the league standings with 21 points, four points clear of their rivals, Real Madrid.
Flick acknowledged the team's achievements but emphasized the need for further development. He stated, "To get seven wins is perfect, but we have to do some things better. Today we had a very good mentality. For me, it's a good starting point to improve." His comments reflect a commitment to continuous growth, which is essential for any successful team.
In addition to discussing the match, Flick praised the performance of stand-in goalkeeper Inaki Pena. With first-choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen undergoing knee surgery and expected to miss the remainder of the season, the spotlight has shifted to Pena. Flick declined to comment on rumors linking Barcelona with Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who has reportedly considered coming out of retirement to join the club. Instead, he reaffirmed his confidence in Pena, stating, "I only speak of the players we have in the team. Inaki Pena is our number one goalkeeper and I'm happy. This is what it's worth."
Flick's focus on the current squad highlights the importance of nurturing young talent while also ensuring that the team has experienced players to rely on in critical situations. With Pena being just 25 years old and the other goalkeepers being even younger, the need for experience becomes paramount if challenges arise.
As the season progresses, Barcelona fans will be eager to see how the team evolves under Flick's guidance. The manager's insistence on improvement, even after a perfect start, is a testament to his ambition and dedication. It is this mindset that could propel Barcelona to greater heights in LaLiga and beyond. The journey is just beginning, and with the right adjustments, the Catalan giants could very well solidify their position as one of the top teams in Europe.