Flick backs De Jong's Gil Manzano rant after frustrating Anoeta defeat
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick left disappointed after Real Sociedad loss, agrees with captain's criticism of referee communication issues.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has openly supported Frenkie de Jong’s criticism of referee Gil Manzano following their disappointing defeat at Anoeta.
Frustration in San Sebastián
Barça left San Sebastián empty-handed despite creating numerous clear-cut chances against Real Sociedad. The German gaffer was visibly gutted with the result but tried to focus on the positives from his team’s performance.
“I’m not happy. I’m disappointed,” Flick admitted post-match. “The result doesn’t reflect what we saw on the pitch, but I like how we played.”
The Catalan giants were made to pay for defensive errors and wasteful finishing, with Flick highlighting that “the second goal killed us” and acknowledging they “must defend better” in key moments.
Referee controversy
The real talking point came when Flick was asked about De Jong’s comments regarding referee Gil Manzano. The Dutchman had apparently criticized the official’s unwillingness to communicate with players during the match.
Flick didn’t hold back, firmly backing his captain: “I agree with Frenkie. He’s calm, he’s the captain. He wants to talk with the referee on the pitch and can’t.”
The Barcelona boss expanded on the communication problems: “Sometimes I want to speak with the fourth official and I can’t speak either. I don’t know if there’s a lack of communication with referees in Spain generally, but with Gil Manzano, there definitely is.”
Looking forward
Despite the setback, Flick was keen to shift focus to what’s next, noting the team’s good performances in recent weeks and the importance of bouncing back quickly.
“We must focus on the next game, which is very important. We’ve played very well in the last two weeks and need to continue that way,” he insisted.
With fixtures coming thick and fast – “every three days” as Flick pointed out – Barcelona have little time to dwell on this defeat as they look to maintain their title challenge.