Barcelona lost 3-1 at Mestalla despite taking the lead through Robert Lewandowski, who marked his final appearance for the club with his 120th goal in 193 games — a clinical finish that was entirely in keeping with his four seasons in Catalonia. Valencia's Javi Guerra, Luis Rioja and Guido Rodríguez all scored in the second half to complete the turnaround, ending the champions' campaign with two away defeats in succession.
"Valencia's victory was deserved," Flick said after the match. "We made errors. They had more hunger to win — you could see they had more at stake."
He took the defeat in its proper context.
"This defeat has no effect on the season we have had, which ended with the title. We accept the result because Valencia's victory was more than deserved. They showed that they had something more at stake."
Flick was candid about the mental state of his squad ahead of the World Cup, which begins next month: "Now everyone wants to play in the World Cup — it is normal for their heads to be elsewhere. This match suits me well to begin analysing things."
He was warm and genuine on the subject of Lewandowski's farewell: "Of course, he deserved to say goodbye on the pitch. When you see his goal, you realise that throughout his career he has always been in the correct position at the correct time. He deserved to play this game." The Pole made a point of embracing each of his team-mates and the club's staff individually after the final whistle.
On the wider ambitions for next season, Flick made clear that the title defence would require full commitment from everyone involved.
"The next season will be even harder than this one. Now everyone can go to the World Cup or on holiday and rest, but what counts is Barcelona. When we return, I want 100 per cent commitment from everyone."
He also offered brief praise for young midfielder Marc Bernal, who is expected to take on an expanded role next season.
"He has the mentality that Barcelona needs and he is ready. Next season he must take another step forward."