Hansi Flick heaped reward upon the “great” work carried out at La Masia after Barcelona’s kids shone in a 2-0 win over Osasuna.
Barca moved seven factors away from Actual Madrid on the prime of LaLiga as Raphinha struck twice within the last 20 minutes at Camp Nou, with the strain firmly on Los Blancos forward of their journey to Alaves on Sunday.
Flick’s group have now gained seven consecutive video games in LaLiga by no less than two targets – the primary time Barca have completed that feat since stringing collectively eight such victories beneath Luis Enrique and Ernesto Valverde in 2017.
However the Blaugrana boss most popular to concentrate on his defenders, who restricted Osasuna to only three photographs and 0.37 anticipated targets (xG), in comparison with 24 photographs and a pair of.61 xG for Barca.
Three members of Barca’s again 4 had been aged 23 or youthful, in Gerard Martin, Alejandro Balde and teenager Pau Cubarsi, whereas Eric Garcia – a fourth academy product – impressed in midfield alongside Pedri.
“The essential factor was the three factors. We managed the sport; in defence we did very nicely. Possibly we didn’t have nice possibilities, however we have now the three factors,” Flick mentioned.
“I don’t suppose an excessive amount of about the remainder of the groups. We need to go to Villarreal and win. It’s good that the opponents really feel beneath strain, however that isn’t in our arms.
“After a number of weeks during which we suffered, we’re again. With all of the gamers near 100%, you’ll be able to see the power of the group.”
Garcia accomplished 93.8% of his passes (75/80) and created two possibilities from the bottom of midfield, additionally contesting 11 duels and profitable two tackles.
Martin, in the meantime, had essentially the most touches (112) and correct passes (93) of any participant on the sphere, matching Balde’s game-high 95.9% passing accuracy.
Flick mentioned: “Eric provides us stability, he performed a implausible sport. Gerard has improved quite a bit.
“And I’ve already spoken sufficient about Cuba prior to now. Taking part in at this stage at 18 years outdated is brutal.
“I’ve to congratulate La Masia for what they’ve achieved with the younger gamers. It’s actually great.”
Osasuna are solely exterior the relegation zone on aim distinction, however their head coach Alessio Lisci felt the sport represented a missed alternative for his group.
“We now have to be indignant, we didn’t come right here on vacation, however to attain. Their first aim comes from a scenario that we had very, very labored on,” he mentioned.
“We had them the place we needed them. We had been controlling them nicely. In transition we doubtlessly generated harmful possibilities, however we needed to do extra with the ball.”
