Flick Frustrated Despite Barcelona’s 3-0 Win Over 9-Man Mallorca
Barcelona opened their La Liga title defence with a 3-0 victory at Son Moix on Saturday, but manager Hansi Flick admitted he was far from impressed with his team’s performance.
The Catalans looked in control after first-half goals from Raphinha and Ferran Torres, while Mallorca were reduced to nine men following the dismissals of Manu Morlanes and Vedat Muriqi. Yet Flick criticised his players for easing off after the interval.
“I didn’t like the game. They are three important points, but after the 0-2 and the two red cards, the team played at 50%. I have to talk about it,” the German coach told reporters. “We should have kept the ball, controlled the game, and scored more. You can’t play at 50 or 60 per cent against nine players.”
Mallorca were furious over Torres’ strike, arguing play should have been halted for a head injury, but Flick defended the goal, insisting his players did the right thing.
“I always tell my players to play until the referee blows the whistle,” he said. “If I were on the other side, I’d be frustrated, but the referee didn’t stop the game.”
Barcelona eventually sealed the win in stoppage time when Lamine Yamal curled in a stunning third goal past Leo Román, though Flick’s post-match comments made it clear he expects more intensity from his squad going forward.
