Barcelona manager Hansi Flick expressed his immense satisfaction with his team's exceptional performance against Athletic Bilbao, which culminated in a resounding 5-0 victory in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final currently being held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Flick emphasized that this win was not a fluke, but rather the result of meticulous teamwork and precise execution of the agreed-upon tactical plans.
Team performance is the key to excellence
In the post-match press conference, Flick emphasized that "combination" was the key to victory. The German coach explained that the team succeeded in creating numerical superiority in attacking areas while maintaining defensive balance, allowing them to create numerous clear-cut chances and score what he described as beautiful goals. Flick said, "Our style of play was clear from the first minute. Our aim was to impose our style on the pitch, and our plan relied on direct, vertical attacks to break down the opponent's defense, while maintaining a solid defensive line.".
Absolute control in the radiant jewel
The Catalan club's coach pointed out that his team had a firm grip on the match, which was held at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium (The Shining Jewel). He added: "We controlled the tempo of the game brilliantly, and after scoring the first goal, the players' appetite was whetted, and the goals kept coming. The most important thing for me is that we didn't lose our focus for a single moment, whether defensively or offensively, which resulted in this well-deserved and resounding victory.".
The Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia... after a global event
This match holds special significance as it is being held in Saudi Arabia, which has become a major destination for leading international sporting events. The Spanish Super Cup, in its new four-team format, is one of the most exciting tournaments, offering Arab and international fans the chance to witness Spanish football classics up close. The large crowd expected in Jeddah reflects the region's passion for football, providing an extra incentive for players and coaches to perform at their best.
A history of competition and the challenges of the future
It's worth noting that matches between Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao are always steeped in history, as both teams are pillars of Spanish football and the most decorated in the Copa del Rey's history. This resounding victory against a tough opponent like Bilbao sends a powerful message to their rivals about Barcelona's readiness, as the defending champions, to retain their title. With this win, Barcelona secures a place in the final, aiming to claim their first trophy of the season, which would provide a tremendous morale boost for Hansi Flick's project with the Blaugrana in upcoming domestic and European competitions.
