Flick fumes at ref decisions as Barça cruise past Mallorca
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick reveals post-match discussions with officials over penalty shout and free-kick controversy during comfortable win over Mallorca.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick admitted he wasn’t best pleased with his side’s first-half performance against Mallorca but ended the day celebrating another win and Marc Bernal’s emotional first goal.
First half frustrations
The German gaffer didn’t mince his words about Barça’s opening 45 minutes at the Spotify Camp Nou, describing the play as “too slow” with a lack of proper dynamics.
In a telling moment during the break, Flick asked his players if they were happy with their first-half showing - to which they collectively responded with a firm “no”. Whatever was said in that dressing room clearly did the trick.
“In the second half, we’ve been much better,” Flick explained. “Three more goals, three more points, and we haven’t conceded any. It’s a good day for us.”
Bernal’s breakthrough moment
One of the day’s highlights was Marc Bernal finding the net, scoring his first goal for the club since returning from injury. The celebration that followed spoke volumes about the squad’s unity.
“Everyone came out, started celebrating, applauded - it was incredible for him,” Flick said. “He scored his first goal at Camp Nou and did it very well.”
Referee row
Flick revealed he had words with the match official over two contentious decisions:
“I made it clear that Mallorca’s players were too close in the wall. Also, regarding the foul on Lamine, I think it should have been a penalty.”
The Barcelona boss was adamant he didn’t deserve a booking for his protestations on the touchline.
La Masia magic continues
Barcelona’s youth production line keeps delivering, with Tommy becoming the 10th academy player to debut under Flick this season. The German coach was full of praise for the 19-year-old:
“His body language is top, but with the ball he also shows confidence. Looking up, seeing what’s happening around him. He could be Frenkie’s little brother. He can play as an 8, 6, 10, right-back… he has very good ball distribution.”
Atletico awaits
With a Copa del Rey semi-final against Atletico Madrid looming on Thursday, Flick acknowledged the need for squad rotation but expects a sharper start from his team.
“I hope on Thursday against Atletico we’ll see a different team in those first minutes. I’ve played football and I know how things are. In the first half we didn’t have the right attitude, but in the second we did.”