Barcena boss hails goalkeeper Joan Garcia after “fantastic” performance
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is “not happy” with his side and said they only have themselves to blame after dropping points for the first time this season in a 1-1 draw at Rayo Vallecano.
Lamine Yamal put Barcelona ahead from the penalty spot in the first half, but substitute Fran Perez equalised for Rayo after the break.
The home side then created several clear chances and would have won the game but for a string of excellent saves from Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
“We didn’t deserve more than one point,” said Flick. “At the end, we had a fantastic goalkeeper today because we made too many mistakes.
“I am not happy with my team. I think we made it too easy to get the ball. We lost a lot of balls. This is what we have to make better.
“Too many mistakes, too many errors, and this is why Rayo came back. It’s not a good game for us. We have to play much better, much better.”
The penalty itself drew complaints from Rayo. Pep Chavarria was judged to have fouled Yamal but with VAR not functioning correctly during the first half the decision could not be reviewed.
Rayo responded strongly after the interval, with Perez turning in at the far post after being left unmarked in a corner. Garcia, Barcelona’s €25m summer arrival from Espanyol, prevented further damage with six saves and was named player of the match.
Flick said: “Joan made a fantastic match for us today and saved this one point. I said congratulations to him after. It’s great to see how he is doing.
“With the ball, it’s good to see his first pass also. He made no mistakes really. He has confidence with the ball and between the posts. I think it was the right decision to sign him.”
