The German has built a family of players willing to understand and support each other
After the loss to Inter Milan at the San Siro, Barcelona players were nearly put to the sword. While neutrals celebrated the beauty of what has been argued to be the best 180 minutes of Champions League football ever played, many pro-Barcelona viewers were outraged and wanted more.
Spanish media threw painful questions like darts at the players. Some club supporters went on social media to harry them. Some of Flick’s players snuck out of the San Siro with heads covered with hoodies and ears plugged as predatory journalists and irate fans prowled the exits.
Ahead of the clásico the following Sunday, Flick restricted media appearances to spare players from uncomfortable questions. Then the team had a barbecue at the training ground. Individual discussions were largely avoided, with the preference being group communication. Family, the collective – those have always been the key words.
After clinching their 28th La Liga title with the 2-0 victory over Espanyol on Thursday, Flick was quick to emphasise again the intangible value of their team spirit as his side overcame every challenge that they faced.
“I don’t think I had enough time to explain it throughout the season but I put a lot of value to the culture we have created, this family we have created,” said the German. “A lot of work is being done, with a lot of passion and a great mentality.
“It’s really nice to see this family we have created, how we take care of each other. It’s unique, I’m delighted.”
The recovery after the Inter Milan game was only one example of it. There have been various other moments throughout the season.
One of the brightest sparks in Barcelona’s collective has been 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, who scored the opener against Espanyol with a beautiful curling effort into the top corner. Everything about that goal – the run, the strike – showcased the flair and fearlessness that have made him one of Europe’s most exciting young talents.
After the game his teammate Raphinha spoke about his golden feet and how the squad were confident that moments of magic like that could be created by the youngster at any time.
But when Flick spoke to the media, he was careful to steer the narrative gently away from Yamal’s individual brilliance and back towards the same collective. Sure, individual talent is great. Having a group of stars is a necessity for a club at Barcelona’s level. As far as the German is concerned, though, his team can only be at their best when everyone is a family working for each other.
“It’s Barcelona’s La Liga,” said Flick. “It’s not about one player. Of course Lamine has been important, but we are a team and that’s the most important thing – the team as a whole. Everyone has done their job very well. We are a team.”
