Barcelona coach Hansi Flick was completely happy to jot down off his staff’s first league defeat since December because the newly topped LaLiga champions lost 3-2 at house to Villarreal on Sunday.
Canada worldwide Tajon Buchanan struck the winner within the Eightieth-minute as Villarreal got here from 2-1 down to finish Barça’s 17-match unbeaten streak, qualifying for subsequent season’s Champions League within the course of.
The final time Barcelona misplaced in LaLiga earlier than Sunday was a 2-1 defeat to Atlético Madrid on Dec. 21.
The sport got here simply three days after Barça clinched the title with a win at metropolis rivals Espanyol on Thursday, which was followed by an open-top bus tour on Friday attended by over 600,000 folks.
“I am high-quality with it,” Flick mentioned in a information convention when requested if he might settle for the loss given the gamers had been partying for 2 days within the build-up.
“Right now it is time to have a good time. The staff, the gamers, they make an unbelievable job the final 5 months. I all the time so no excuses, however we performed Thursday, we have a good time Thursday evening and in addition on Friday.
“I’m nonetheless completely happy how we performed. We had possibilities to win. However as we speak, an important factor is that the gamers and followers are happy with what they’ve carried out throughout this improbable season.”
Ayoze Pérez gave Villarreal a shock fourth-minute lead on the Olympic Stadium, however Barça fought again to steer by the break.
Lamine Yamal‘s fourth aim in his final six appearances drew them stage, one other very good left-footed strike chopping in from the fitting, with Fermín López nudging them forward in first-half stoppage time.
Santi Comesaña restored parity within the Fiftieth-minute with a dinked end over Marc-André ter Stegen, setting the stage for substitute Buchanan to seal the factors late on.
After the match, Barça had been offered with the LaLiga trophy as fireworks stuffed the sky above the stadium to mark twenty eighth time they’ve been topped Spanish champions.
The gamers then launched into a lap of honour with the three trophies they’ve lifted this season — additionally they gained the Spanish Supercopa and the Copa del Rey — earlier than their associates and households joined the celebrations on the pitch.
Flick mentioned the message to the supporters is that that is simply the beginning of the journey, including that he’s conscious enhancements are wanted subsequent season and of the duty now the bar has been set excessive.
“I noticed thew completely happy faces [of the fans on the parade] and in addition some folks crying due to the success and performances from the gamers,” he mentioned.
“This can be a great point but it surely’s additionally a duty for the subsequent yr. We have now simply began with our journey. Subsequent season we now have to enhance many issues, however I do know we now have potential for this.
“We’ll work laborious from the start of the season. That is what I can say to the followers. The identical as this yr. By no means quit. We all the time attempt to win a match. That is the angle, the mentality.”
ESPN reported earlier this week the membership are already waiting for the summer season, with a centre-back, a full-back and one other winger all being eyed when the switch window opens.
Flick confirmed he is aware of the place he needs to improves his squad subsequent season, however for now needs to give attention to what the present crop of gamers have given him in his first season in cost.
“After all,” he mentioned when requested if he has determined the place reinforcements are wanted. “[Sporting director] Deco and I, we’ll talk about that. Now it is time to communicate and naturally we take this time.
“For me, [right now] an important factor is the staff. We have now gamers with unbelievable power, Lamine, Pedri, Frenkie [de Jong], additionally as we speak whenever you see [Pau] Cubarsí, how he performs aged 18, Raphinha is on the best stage… a variety of gamers.
“Iñigo [Martínez] for me is an unbelievable chief. His mentality is unbelievable; it is particular. He is essential within the dressing room; additionally [he is] effectively related with the gamers.”
Barça nonetheless have one recreation to go, away at Athletic Club subsequent Sunday, earlier than a prolonged break this summer season as they don’t seem to be among the many groups competing within the Membership World Cup within the United States.