Hansi Flick delighted with Roony Bardghji's performance against Athletic Club: 'I trusted him'

FC Barcelona has officially punched its ticket to the Spanish Super Cup final after a dominant and clinical performance against Athletic Club de Bilbao in the semifinals. From the very first whistle, the Catalan side seized the initiative, offering a convincing and polished image across every sector of the pitch. This wasn't just a victory; it was a statement of intent from a team that seems to have found its identity under German management.

The Blaugrana controlled the tempo for the vast majority of the match, displaying a rare blend of defensive solidity and attacking fluidity. Hansi Flick’s tactical setup allowed the team to be both vertical and patient, a combination that left the Basque defense chasing shadows in the Saudi heat. After the final whistle, Flick did not hide his satisfaction, praising his squad's collective effort and psychological maturity.

Flick Praises the "Winning Mentality"

Speaking to the press in the post-match conference in Jeddah, the German coach was quick to highlight the mental strength of his players.

"I am very happy with what the team achieved today. The mentality was right from the very first second, and the attitude matched exactly what a game of this magnitude demanded," Flick stated. For the former Bayern Munich boss, the tactical execution was secondary to the hunger shown by his players to reclaim their status as the kings of Spanish football.

One of the aspects Flick valued most was Barcelona’s ability to maintain high concentration levels for the entire duration of the contest. In previous seasons, the club often struggled with "blackouts" or periods of defensive lethargy, but those ghosts were nowhere to be seen. "We were incredibly focused for the full 90 minutes. We played with confidence, but most importantly, we played enjoying our football," he added.

Tactical Dominance and Defensive Perfection

A key pillar of Flick’s philosophy is the control of the ball and the spatial dominance of the pitch. This approach allowed Barcelona to dictate the rhythm against a traditionally difficult opponent like Athletic Club. "We controlled the game, and that gave us peace of mind. Seeing the team play like this gives me a lot of confidence," Flick explained. However, he remained grounded, reminding everyone that the job isn't finished yet: "This was only the semifinal; the final will be a completely different story."

From a tactical perspective, the connection between the lines was nearly perfect. The high defensive line—a trademark of Flick’s system—worked in total harmony with the midfield press, stifling Athletic’s counter-attacks before they could even begin. thletic’s counter-attacks before they could even begin. "We were well-positioned and very connected. That speaks volumes about the level and quality of this squad," the coach remarked.

Perhaps the highlight of the night for the coaching staff was the "clean sheet." Barcelona once again kept their goal at zero, a feat Flick considers the foundation of any title-winning project. "Not conceding goals is always the priority. We played a very complete game as a team, defending and attacking as a single unit," he concluded.

The Road to the Final

With their place in the final secured, Barcelona has already "flipped the switch." The focus has shifted entirely to Sunday’s decisive match, where they will likely face either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid in a high-stakes Clásico or a tense Derby.

The hope within the dressing room is that a victory on Sunday will not only provide a new trophy for the museum but also serve as the definitive confirmation of the "Flick Era." After a 2024-25 season that left fans wanting more, this new version of Barça—disciplined, vertical, and emotionally resilient—looks ready to conquer everything in its path. All eyes now turn to the final in Riyadh, where Flick will look to secure his first official silverware as the leader of the Catalan giants.