Hansi Flick praised the mentality of his players as Barcelona ran out 3-0 winners in their rearranged game with Osasuna to move three points clear of rivals Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.
Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo and substitute Robert Lewandowski all found the net as Barca emerged comfortable victors in a game that had been postponed just minutes before kick off on 8 March following the sudden death of club doctor Carles Minarro Garcia.
Flick, who had earlier this week complained about the timing of the fixture – coming just days after the end of the international break – and its potential impact on player welfare, was buoyed by his side’s showing at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium.
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“I’ve said it before, I think the mentality of the players is amazing,” said Flick.
“I love working with them, and you can see it in every game.”
“They have fun, they love playing football with each other, and that’s great.”
The German manager was also keen to highlight the contribution of his young midfielder, Gavi, who has impressed this season after returning from a lengthy spell on the sidelines with an ACL injury.
“He played a fantastic game,” Flick said. “It hasn’t been an easy year for him after the injury. He’s always focused and professional.
“He’s an exceptional player for this club.”
However, Flick’s complaints regarding player safety look to have been justified as Olmo limped off in the first half and could now be doubtful for Barca’s upcoming Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Atletico and the Champions League quarter-final clash with Dortmund.
And Flick doubled down on his pre-match comments, despite calling the victory “a great moment”.
He added: “It wasn’t the right day to play. We won but we paid a high price for it with Dani Olmo’s injury.”
Next up for Barcelona is the visit of Girona on Sunday.
