Gavi explains why Flick took him off at half-time at Sevilla

 Gavi spoke about Hansi Flick’s decision to take him off at half-time of Sunday’s win over Sevilla in La Liga.

The midfielder started the game but was booked and looked to be struggling physically in the first half.

Gavi spoke to the media afterwards and explained why Flick had replaced him with Fermin Lopez.

“We are very happy with the game. It is not easy with one less player and we have done very well. The result here is very good,” he told the media.

“I was in a lot of pain and the manager told me that I had a yellow card and that the match was not the time to do anything stupid. Everyone knows that referees don’t cut corners with me. Fermín really had a great game. He came on and decided the match. I’m very happy for him.

“I’ve already said that the league is very long. People already thought that we weren’t going to be there. We’re two points behind and this is a long way off. We have to keep going and win everything that’s left to win this championship, which is what we want.”

Fermin came on and almost immediately put Barcelona 2-1 up but was then sent off for a reckless challenge and is now facing a ban.