Flick warns Barca after first Joan Gamper Trophy loss in 12 years
Hansi Flick said his team “must do better” after the new manager became the first Barcelona manager to lose a Joan Gamper Trophy game for 12 years.
Second-half goals from Lamine Camara, Breel Embolo and Christian Mawissa condemned Barca to a 3-0 defeat against Monaco in their final pre-season game, giving the German coach cause for concern at their temporary home at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
“We have to learn from this game, analyze it and teach the players,” said Flick, who played his first role outside of Germany when he succeeded Xavi at the end of May.
“I know that the team can do better and should do better. On Saturday we play [at] Valencia in the league. We made mistakes that we will not repeat.”
🎙️👇 Dani Olmo's words in his presentation pic.twitter.com/eefjMW018X
– FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 12, 2024
Barcelona vs Monaco: Barca beaten
Barca almost scored in the first minute when Pau Victor failed to convert Raphinha's cross, but the hosts struggled to find chances against last season's Ligue 1 runners-up.
Monaco took the lead five minutes after the break when Inigo Martinez's misplaced pass allowed Lamine Camara to block and curl the ball into the net.
Breel Embolo forced goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen into a solo opener after five minutes and, after Spain international Lamine Yamal was sent off for the first time in pre-season, Mawissa's strike gave Monaco the lead four minutes from time.
Barcelona had not entered the annual fixture twice since it was a one-off in 1997, with Sampdoria the last visiting team to win it in 2012.
There were also injury concerns for striker Ilkay Gundogan and striker Robert Lewandowski, who were both recalled.
Get back with the team! 💪 pic.twitter.com/BFffJGlaJl
– FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 12, 2024
Flick: Barcelona 'will improve'
“There was a mistake and they scored to make it 1-0,” commented Flick in the competition. “We will do better against Valencia. We will prepare them well for the game.”
Flick spoke to Barca fans on the pitch before the game, and new player Dani Olmo was introduced to the fans.
“The whole team, the players and the staff behind them are focused on achieving our goals,” said Flick. “With your support, we are much stronger.”
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