New Barcelona manager Hansi Flick praised striker Robert Lewandowski and the “great atmosphere” in his team after a 2-1 home win over Athletic Bilbao gave them six points from six in the 2024-25 La Liga.
Spain sensation Lamine Yamal put Barca ahead with a 24th-minute deflected shot from distance, only for Oihan Sancet to equalise from the penalty spot 20 minutes later.
Lewandowski, who had twice hit the woodwork, pounced from close range for the 75th-minute winner, continuing the 36-year-old’s prolific form following his goals in Barca’s 2-1 opening comeback win at Valencia.
Flick is perfect. pic.twitter.com/sJlezvxOlk
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 24, 2024
“It’s not easy with our high pressing and the risks we take – anything can happen but we are doing well,” said former Germany manager Flick.
“[Lewandowski] is always dangerous, no matter how old he is. We have a great atmosphere in the team and the attitude is fantastic. Everyone is responding really well. We have two wins and six points, which helps.”
Celta Vigo are the only other team in the table to have won two games, although a host of other sides play their second matches of the season on Sunday.
Reigning champions Real Madrid will be among them when the Uefa Champions League holders host Real Valladolid (4pm BST).
Don’t mess with this guy pic.twitter.com/a7LCy1eFeg
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 24, 2024
Madrid drew their first match 1-1 at Mallorca and could be without inspirational forward Jude Bellingham for several weeks after the England international suffered a calf injury.
Flick was pleased to see one of his midfielders, Pedri, return from an injury the 21-year-old suffered with La Roja at Uefa Euro 2024.
“My staff are doing a great job with him,” said Flick. “Pedri has come back really well from injury. He played really well, balancing the team, protecting the ball and being patient and linking up. It’s great to see him out on the field.
Robert’s things.#LaLigaHighlights pic.twitter.com/xzhYOrmkiJ
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 24, 2024
“We have to keep improving and we are working to do better in the next game. That’s our objective and that’s how things will go well for us.
“It’s true that there are important pieces missing but even though we are not at 100 per cent, the situation is good and we are improving.”
One of Flick’s remaining absentees is new £51 million signing Dani Olmo, who still cannot be registered because of Liga rules on squad spending.
