Barça beats Elche, but Hansi Flick shows no mercy: 'You're not going to play with me'

FC Barcelona achieved an important victory this afternoon at Montjuïc against Elche. After the defeat in El Clásico, Hansi Flick's team was obliged to win to recover their form and avoid falling behind in the fight for LaLiga. The final score was 3-1, but the match wasn't as comfortable as it might seem.

Éder Sarabia's Elche showed a very competitive and brave version. For much of the first half, they pressed high and managed to disrupt Barça's ball movement. They even managed to break through Szczesny's goal once, and it could've been more.

Barça win, but don't shine

The first half was intense, with Barça trying to control the game, but without fully succeeding. Lamine Yamal's talent was once again decisive in opening the scoring. Shortly after, Ferran Torres extended the lead after a pass from Fermín, who's establishing himself as one of the team's most in-form players.

With the score at 2-0, it seemed the match was under control, but Elche didn't give up. Sarabia's team closed the gap, and only a moment of brilliance from Rashford calmed the Barça faithful. The play wasn't brilliant, but it was efficient.

Hansi Flick makes decisions

Hansi Flick had been questioned by some sectors of Barcelona fans after El Clásico. Today, however, he once again showed his ability to lift the team in the most difficult moments.

Even so, Flick didn't want to miss the chance to send a strong message after the match. The recipient was Héctor Fort, a player loaned by Barça to Elche, whose performance deeply disappointed the German coach. Fort came on in the final minutes, but he didn't prove anything.

It seems clear that Héctor Fort will have a very hard time returning to Barça.  The German coach believes the young full-back didn't take advantage of his opportunity to prove himself to his parent club. His performance, well below the desired level, was interpreted as a lack of commitment at a time when Barça need character and determination.

Héctor Fort will have to look for a team

At Barça, there was an intention to recall Héctor Fort next summer, but after what was seen today, the situation seems to have changed. Deco and Flick himself are said to have agreed that the footballer needs more maturity and consistency before returning to Camp Nou. The trust placed in him has weakened, and his immediate future involves continuing his development away from the club.

Beyond the issue of Héctor Fort, the victory allows Barça to keep themselves at the top of the table and face November with optimism. The fans celebrated the three points, but they also noticed the firmness with which Flick makes decisions. The German coach doesn't beat around the bush: whoever isn't ready to compete at the highest level won't have a place in his Barça.