Hansi Flick said his team “have to do better” after the new manager became the first Barcelona boss to lose the Joan Gamper Trophy match for 12 years.
Second-half goals by Lamine Camara, Breel Embolo and Christian Mawissa condemned Barca to a 3-0 defeat to Monaco in a final pre-season match which gave the German coach cause for concern at their temporary Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys home.
“We have to learn from this game, analyse it and teach it to the players,” said Flick, who took his first role outside of Germany when he succeeded Xavi at the end of May.
“I know the team can do better and has to do better. On Saturday we play [at] Valencia in the league. We made mistakes that we can’t repeat.”
🎙️👇 Dani Olmo’s words at his presentation pic.twitter.com/eefjMW018X
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 12, 2024
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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 fashion chances against the runners-up in Ligue 1 last season.
Monaco went ahead five minutes after half-time when a misjudged Inigo Martinez pass allowed Lamine Camara to intercept and roll the ball into the net.
Breel Embolo lobbed goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen in a one-on-one five minutes later and, after Spain sensation Lamine Yamal was given his pre-season debut as a substitute, Mawissa’s strike sealed an emphatic victory for Monaco four minutes from time.
Barcelona had never conceded more than twice in the annual match since it became a one-off game in 1997, with Sampdoria the last visiting team to win it in 2012.
There were also injury concerns over playmaker Ilkay Gundogan and striker Robert Lewandowski, who were both replaced.
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,” Flick observed of the contest. “We will improve against Valencia. We will prepare them well for the match.”
Flick had addressed Barca’s fans from the pitch before the game, while new signing Dani Olmo was also introduced to supporters.
“The whole team, players and staff behind them are focused on achieving our goals,” Flick had said. “With your support, we are much stronger.”
