Flick's reality check: 'You don't win on name alone, you win on attitude'
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick praises Racing Santander after a hard-fought Copa del Rey victory, highlighting Joan García's clean sheet and Fermín López's impact.
Barcelona survived a proper cup scare in Santander as Hansi Flick’s men squeezed past the Segunda División leaders with a performance that was more graft than craft.
After watching Real Madrid get dumped out of the Copa del Rey the previous night, Flick was under no illusions about the potential banana skin awaiting his side at El Sardinero.
”Attitude over reputation”
The German gaffer was quick to highlight the fundamental truth about knockout football after his side’s narrow victory: “It’s important to know that you don’t win on name alone, you win on attitude.”
It’s a lesson Madrid learned the hard way against Atletico, and one that Barça nearly discovered themselves against a Racing side that Flick admitted created a “great atmosphere” in what was “one of the most important matches in recent years” for the hosts.
Joan García proves his worth
Flick’s decision to rotate his goalkeeper paid dividends, with the young stopper making what the coach described as “a great save” to preserve another clean sheet.
“Joan played because we decided so, and it was a good decision after seeing the match,” explained Flick, who remained coy about whether García would continue between the sticks for future cup ties.
Fermín López: The special one
The Barcelona boss reserved special praise for midfielder Fermín López, who continues to impress whenever given the opportunity:
“He’s special. Not all players are like him, I like his attitude, his dynamism… he changes game situations with his movement, with his passing… he also scores. He’s always in the right position.”
Respect for Racing
Flick showed genuine admiration for Santander’s approach, praising their defensive organization and brave football philosophy:
- Defended with everything they had
- Implemented a high pressing system
- Showed courage with nothing to lose
The German even suggested he’d like to see Racing in La Liga next season, a nod to their current position atop Spain’s second division.
For Barcelona, it’s job done in the Round of 16, but this performance served as a timely reminder that in cup football, the dog and bone isn’t won on reputation alone.