Thank you, thank you, thank you, Hansi: the hot notes from the derby

Cornellà de LlobregatHansi Flick's Barça are the new La Liga champions. Against a brave and proud Espanyol, accompanied by the best crowd of the season at the RCDE Stadium, The Azulgranas have achieved a victory (0-2) A title-worthy performance that confirms the birth of a new era. Below are some quick notes on the derby between Barça and Espanyol.

Thank you, thank you, and thank you. Pedri, Lamine Yamal (who else), Raphinha, Cubarsí and company are the familiar faces that explain Barça's return to La Liga and its devastating impact on Real Madrid and Mbappé's multi-million-dollar project. But how could a squad practically identical to the one that ended last season in a disappointing and depressed state have changed so much in just a few months? The explanation lies with a blue-eyed German determined to make everyone happy, a Barcelona fan base that has regained its pride. Hansi Flick has brought courage, energy, and football to a team that has shown a hunger for more. League, Cup, Super Cup, and Champions League semifinals fought to the last breath. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Hansi.

The League also belongs to Szczesny. Flick has handled a hot potato in the locker room with a tough hand when the season's highlights were at stake. With Ter Stegen's return, the captain wanted to play again (he has rarely tolerated substitutions). But Flick has been clear inside and outside the locker room: Szczesny would play in the important games. The Pole, who is mulling whether to renew or leave his unexpected and sweet adventure in Barcelona, ​​played in the Champions League semi-finals, the Clásico, and the decisive victory against Espanyol that lifted the La Liga title. He made mistakes, but he also made some great saves. He's made himself loved. La Liga is his too, of course.

Recover Private Christensen. In his second start of the entire season, having spent more than half the season injured, Christensen put in a very solid defensive performance. Against an Espanyol side driven by their fans, the center-back had to work hard. He was weary of chasing the forwards, who constantly looked to get behind the center-backs. Despite being booked in the first half, he took advantage of the suspension of Iñigo Martínez to regain his form and played at a good level. The Dane, who has a contract until 2026, has no intention of leaving Barça.

Flick's favorite? A screenshot of a video of Flick, holding his grandson in his arms, celebrating Sunday's victory against Real Madrid at Montjuïc has been circulating online these days. The little one is wearing a Barça shirt with the number 8 and Pedri's name on it. Is this a clue as to who the coach's favorite player is? In the season that has seen him return to full fitness, the Canary Islander has been, with Lamine Yamal's permission, the driving force behind the team.