"This is the best decision the club has made": Flick praises Barcelona's move and reveals a shocking surprise
What did he say?
Hansi Flick was a happy man after Barcelona swept Sevilla aside 3-1 at the Sanchez Pizjuan. The win made it eight from eight since the season began, and Raphinha lit up the night with a hat-trick.
Barcelona's head coach reserved special praise for his captain, revealing the technical staff had chosen to hand him the out-and-out striker role. The Brazilian took to it in no time at all.
"Raphinha is at a high level, and we know his quality," Flick said. "He is a dynamic player of the highest calibre, and we are pleased with him. The decision to play him as a number 9 was taken by the technical staff, and he is very happy playing in this position."
That praise landed with Raphinha closing in on a new contract at the Camp Nou. Flick sees the winger's future at the club as a crucial one. "It is the best decision the club has made," he said. "When you see him connecting with the fans and the team, you realise he is the perfect captain."
Not everything went Barcelona's way in Seville. Andreas Christensen limped off in the second half with a muscular problem.
The German confirmed the Danish defender faces a few weeks on the sidelines, with further tests to reveal the exact nature of the injury and how long he will be out.
Starting Dominik Livakovic was a call made purely for this game, Flick insisted, and not a sign of any wavering faith in his other goalkeeper.
"I spoke with the technical staff, and this is what we decided," he explained. "This does not mean that I do not trust the other goalkeeper, but I felt today that Livakovic should play. It is only about this match, and it is not a personal decision."
Rodri also earned a mention. Flick hailed the midfielder's influence on the side. "He is a wonderful player, he controls everything, and he is very important to us. He gives us calm when in possession of the ball, and I think he communicates very well with Pedri and the defenders."
