Flick's candid admission after Barça's Metropolitano mauling: 'First half was a great lesson for us'
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick reflects on his side's 4-0 Copa del Rey hammering at Atlético Madrid, pointing to poor teamwork but remaining optimistic about a comeback.
Barcelona’s Copa del Rey hopes are hanging by a thread after a historic 4-0 thrashing at the Metropolitano, with manager Hansi Flick admitting his side received a proper footballing education in the first half.
First half shambles
The German gaffer didn’t mince his words when assessing Barça’s dismal opening 45 minutes against Atlético Madrid in their Copa del Rey semi-final first leg.
“We didn’t play as a team,” Flick confessed, highlighting the massive gaps between his players and their failure to implement any effective pressing strategy. The distance between Barcelona’s units was absolutely criminal, leaving them wide open for Atleti to exploit.
It was schoolboy stuff from a side that’s been in decent nick this season, and Simeone’s men were more than happy to dish out a proper hiding.
Still believing in a comeback
Despite the absolute battering, Flick somehow maintains there’s still a chance for a dramatic turnaround at the Camp Nou:
- Barcelona need to score at least four without reply
- Flick suggested winning “2-0 in each half” could do the job
- He’s calling on home support to create an intimidating atmosphere
It’s a tall order, but stranger things have happened in football. That said, you’d need to be a few sandwiches short of a picnic to bet your house on it.
VAR frustrations
Flick also had a proper moan about the officiating, particularly regarding what he felt should have been an early yellow card for a foul on Balde. According to the Barça boss, this non-decision “invited” Atlético to continue their physical approach.
He was equally narked about a lengthy VAR check, questioning what officials were looking for during the seven-minute delay and lamenting the lack of communication about their decision-making process.
Not his worst day
Interestingly, when asked if this was his worst day as Barcelona manager, Flick pointed to the defeat against Inter as more painful. At least this time, he believes, they have a chance at redemption – however slim that might be.
Barça’s young squad will need to grow up quickly if they’re to have any chance of turning this tie around. The second leg promises to be a proper Bobby Dazzler, though Atlético will be confident they’ve already done enough to book their place in the final.