Flick argues that Barcelona deserved to win the cup, but we need to improve in finishing.

On Tuesday night, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick confidently stated that his team deserved the victory in the Copa del Rey against Albacete, a hard-fought 2-1 win that sent the Catalans to the semifinals. Despite the tension caused by a late goal from Javi Moreno, which put the victory at risk, Barcelona managed to maintain their lead and secure their place in the next round of the competition.

Flick did not hold back in praising Albacete’s performance, acknowledging that the match was tough and competitive: “It’s a cup game… It was a difficult match. We suffered. They played very well. We created many opportunities, but we need to be better in finishing.” This assessment from the coach highlights the intense battle on the field, where the Catalan team had to give their all to ensure the win.

The coach was clear in pointing out the need to improve finishing effectiveness, a constructive criticism that emphasizes the ambition to enhance: “We need to finish our plays better, with more conviction. We have to improve. We played on Wednesday, Saturday, and today… we can’t say anything about the mentality or attitude. I liked my team. It’s necessary to win these cup games, and we did, and that’s why we are happy.”

One of the highlights of the match was Ronald Araujo, who contributed with a crucial goal. Flick commented on the defender: “He is taking it one step at a time, which is the most important thing. The goal will help him gain confidence and feel better about himself. We support him. We are with him. He is doing a good job.” The coach acknowledged that Araujo was fatigued, given that he hadn’t played much recently, but emphasized the importance of the goal for both the player and the team: “It was an important goal for him and for us.”

With this victory, Barcelona not only advances in the competition but also demonstrates its resilience and ability to overcome difficult matches. The triumph is a significant step for Hansi Flick’s team, which is looking to reaffirm itself as one of the powerhouses of European football. The journey in the Copa del Rey continues, and all eyes are now on the upcoming stages, where each match will be a new battle for the prestigious trophy.