Hansi Flick Responds to Barcelona's Internal Struggles Amid Consecutive Defeats
FC Barcelona coach Hansi Flick addresses internal squad concerns and tactical challenges following consecutive defeats, emphasizing player dialogue and strategic adjustments to restore form.
- • Barcelona suffered consecutive defeats: 4-0 to Atlético and 2-1 to Girona.
- • The team struggles with ball control, averaging 117 losses per season, affecting defense.
- • Absence of key players like Pedri linked to a 17% rise in goals conceded.
- • Flick emphasizes communication, rest, and tactical changes to improve performance.
Key details
Following two tough losses—a 4-0 defeat to Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey and a 2-1 setback against Girona in La Liga—Barcelona's squad has voiced significant concerns, prompting coach Hansi Flick to engage openly with his players and reexamine team tactics. Flick acknowledges the mounting doubts that arise from the team's underperformance and has embraced both public and private debates regarding their current form.
Key issues raised in the camp include a lack of ball control and vulnerability in defense. Barcelona's average of 117 ball losses per season has severely impacted their defensive stability, with recent matches underscoring these struggles. The defense has particularly suffered in the absence of key players like Raphinha and Pedri; notably, Pedri's absence corresponded with a 17% increase in goals conceded.
In response, Flick has emphasized the importance of communication and conducted extensive discussions with his squad. After the Girona defeat, he granted players two days' rest before holding a lengthy meeting to plot improvement strategies. Training sessions have since targeted pressure application and ball possession, while Flick is considering tactical adjustments such as deploying Eric García alongside Frenkie de Jong to restore midfield solidity lost without Pedri.
Despite the challenges, Flick remains committed to his managerial philosophy and seeks to maintain the team’s identity while increasing intensity on the pitch. His openness to dialogue marks a proactive approach aimed at resolving the squad’s internal concerns and halting their downward trend as they prepare for upcoming fixtures.
This article was translated and synthesized from Spanish sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
