Flick demands clinical edge despite Barça's Copa progress against Albacete
Barcelona manager calls for improved finishing after narrow Copa del Rey quarter-final victory, while praising Araujo's crucial contribution on his return.
Barcelona survived a proper cupset scare at Carlos Belmonte, but the holders are through to the semis despite making a meal of it against plucky Albacete.
Finishing woes frustrate Flick
Barça’s German gaffer was in a right state about his team’s wastefulness in front of goal, despite the 2-1 victory that keeps their trophy defence alive. The Catalan giants created chances by the bucket load but couldn’t put Albacete to bed properly.
“We have to finish better, with more conviction,” Flick insisted after watching his side make hard work of their lower-league opponents.
You could see the frustration written all over his boat race as chance after chance went begging. For all their dominance, Barcelona nearly got caught with their trousers down against an Albacete side that refused to roll over.
Schedule congestion no excuse
Flick wasn’t having any of the fixture pile-up excuses, despite his team playing their third match in just six days. He praised the squad’s mentality and attitude, acknowledging the bread and butter of cup football is simply getting through to the next round.
The schedule has been proper naughty for Barça lately:
- Wednesday: League match
- Saturday: Another league fixture
- Tuesday: This Copa quarter-final
Yet Flick maintained his players showed the right spirit, even if the finishing touch was missing.
Araujo’s comeback continues
There was special praise for Ronald Araujo, who notched an important goal on his continuing journey back to full fitness. The Uruguayan defender has been taking baby steps in his recovery, and Flick seemed chuffed with his contribution.
“He’s going step by step, that’s important,” Flick said of Araujo. “The goal will help him gain confidence.”
The defender looked knackered by the final whistle, unsurprising given his limited playing time recently, but his manager was clearly pleased with another milestone in his recovery process.
Youth development
Flick also offered brief comments on young Marc Bernal, expressing satisfaction with the academy product’s performance while suggesting he could move the ball a touch quicker at times.
The holders now await their semi-final opponents as they continue their quest for back-to-back Copa del Rey triumphs.