Raphinha Named Captain as Barcelona Prepares for Valencia Clash
Barcelona is gearing up for its La Liga match against Valencia, with Raphinha appointed as one of the team's

Barcelona's head coach Hansi Flick was full of praise for his players following their impressive 5-0 victory over Valencia at Mestalla. The match showcased Barcelona's dominance, with Lamine Yamal scoring two goals, and Pedri, Raphinha, and Fermin also finding the net.
Flick highlighted the team's control over the game from the outset, stating, "It was a fantastic match, controlled from the start. We dominated and that’s what I want to see. I’m not surprised by what we did because it’s the quality with which you train." He emphasized the importance of controlling the game and attacking spaces effectively.
Yamal's performance was particularly noteworthy, as he had trained separately the day before but convinced Flick of his readiness to play. Flick remarked, "He was involved in the pressing and defending, very connected and that’s very good." Meanwhile, Rodri received high praise for his leadership both on and off the pitch, with Flick noting how his presence could benefit teammate Marc Bernal.
Flick also commended Fermin for his contributions, although he pointed out areas for improvement. "We see what kind of player he is with what he does close to and outside the box. He always presses, he does well with and without the ball, he scores goals. His strength is the intensity, but he makes some mistakes, although he’s doing fantastically," Flick explained.
Dani Olmo, who started on the bench, made an impact by providing two assists after coming on. Flick acknowledged the challenge of managing player expectations, stating, "It’s not easy for a player to be a substitute, but in football everything can change."
Despite the resounding victory, Flick maintained that the team must continue to improve, particularly in game management. "I don’t know if it’s necessary to say it after a 0-5, but we can always do better and we have to try to control the game better with more passes. There are many games and you always have to control the energy," he concluded.
This victory marks a significant moment in Flick's third season at Barcelona, highlighting what could be one of the most exciting iterations of the team under his management. As they prepare for their upcoming Champions League clash against Feyenoord, the anticipation continues to build around this formidable Barcelona side.