Hansi Flick Says Barcelona Are Still Improving After 4-0 Champions League Statement Win Over Dortmund
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has issued a warning to the rest of Europe—his team may have just thrashed Borussia Dortmund 4-0, but they haven’t reached their ceiling yet.
Speaking after a dominant performance at the Olympic Stadium, where the Catalans put one foot into the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, Flick stressed that despite the scoreline, there’s still work to be done.
“Still Things to Improve” – Flick Not Settling
“I want to keep improving,” Flick told reporters post-match. “We will analyse this game and I will tell the players they did very well, but there are still things to improve.”
Barcelona, the top scorers in this season’s Champions League with 36 goals, were in free-flowing form again, thanks to the electric front line of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal.
Flick remained grounded despite the emphatic win.
“I’m very happy with the result today, but it’s just the first step.”
Raphinha Equals Messi’s Record with European Brilliance
The standout performer of the night was Raphinha, who continued his stellar Champions League form by scoring his 12th goal of the competition and adding two assists.
That takes his tally to 19 direct goal contributions in Europe this season, equalling a record once held by none other than Lionel Messi for Barcelona.
Flick lavished praise on the Brazilian winger:
“I always thought he’s an extraordinary player… the team is set on his shoulders, his dynamism is crucial.”
Dortmund Adrift as Kovac Admits Slim Chances
On the opposite bench, Dortmund manager Niko Kovac admitted that the scoreline was hard to take but justified.
“It was a deserved defeat,” he said. “We could have got a goal, but as we all know, the return leg will be very difficult.”
The 2023 runners-up now face a daunting task at home.
“I am optimistic, but I have to be a realist… our chances of going through are minimal,” Kovac confessed. “We have to have a spark of hope, because without it, it’s impossible.”
Barcelona’s Message: They’re Just Getting Started
With Raphinha leading the Golden Boot race, Lewandowski in lethal form, and Flick’s tactical precision driving a well-balanced squad, Barcelona look like real contenders to lift their first Champions League trophy since 2015.
But if Flick is to be believed, the best may still be ahead.
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