Barcelona supervisor Hansi Flick known as his youthful facet “actually good” within the first recreation of his reign towards Manchester Metropolis and stated he desires to emulate the philosophy of Pep Guardiola’s “nice” staff.
Flick began 4 youngsters amongst 9 gamers aged beneath 23 as Barca twice took the lead in a 2-2 draw towards Metropolis in Orlando, profitable a penalty shoot-out courtesy of two saves from 20-year-old goalkeeper Ander Astralaga, who has by no means performed a aggressive senior recreation.
“We defended collectively and attacked collectively – as a staff – and that’s what we wish,” the German stated. “We fought for one another. Possibly within the first half we had been too deep; our concept is to be a bit additional ahead.
“We want extra possession however we performed towards Manchester Metropolis… Pep has been there for eight years and we need to do the identical as them by way of philosophy. Possibly a bit bit totally different, however with that concept.”
Flick & Pep: the clip that can make your day. 😍 pic.twitter.com/okR6Ma3O6F
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 31, 2024
Hansi Flick: Barcelona philosophy
When Flick was appointed as membership legend Xavi’s successor in Might, Barcelona cited the German’s “intense, formidable excessive press”.
“The philosophy they’ve is just like mine – ball possession and actually attacking soccer,” the 59-year-old stated of the membership on the time. “These are the issues I really like.”
The Spanish facet are lacking 10 gamers on their US tour by way of accidents and worldwide commitments, in addition to the likes of Ilkay Gundogan and Raphinha, who’re being given additional time to get well from worldwide tournaments.
A two-time German champion as Bayern Munich supervisor, Flick will earn a million-euro bonus (round £844,000) at Barcelona if he emulates his 2019/20 Uefa Champions League win with the Bundesliga giants.
🍿 HIGHLIGHTS! 🍿Barça Beat Metropolis in Penalty Shootout Thriller pic.twitter.com/NNK5Wb5fi2
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 31, 2024
“I don’t need to deal with particular person names after only one recreation,” stated Flick. “I wasn’t certain we’d have that defensive stability, however we did.”
Barcelona fixtures, schedule
Barca face arch-rivals Actual Madrid in New Jersey on Sunday (12am BST), then meet Milan in Baltimore on August 7 (12.30am).
They host Monaco within the Joan Gamper Trophy on August 12 (7pm) earlier than their Liga season begins at Valencia 5 days later (8.30pm).
Flick is in his first teaching function outdoors of Germany, having returned to administration for the primary time since his sacking as boss of his nationwide staff in September 2023.
