Earlier, Spanish media reported that Hans-Dieter Flick criticized the team’s attitude the day after their 4-0 heavy defeat to Atlético Madrid, ahead of training. Spanish outlets stated that the players also expressed doubts about the tactics, meaning there was essentially mutual criticism between both sides.
According to several sources familiar with the situation at the time, the German head coach spoke sternly to the entire team when questioning their attitude and intensity, particularly regarding the first half of Thursday’s Copa del Rey semi-final first leg.
The players then told the head coach that they were concerned about the team’s tactics during the game, suggesting that his instructions to adhere to their usual style—combining high-intensity pressing with a very deep defensive line—were not the best choice, as conditions were not suitable for doing so in their eyes.
Sources said the players decided to share their views in this way because this was not the first time such a situation had occurred this season.
In November last year, against Club Brugge, Barcelona barely drew 3-3 in a UEFA Champions League match they could barely control. A month earlier, they lost 4-1 away to Sevilla in La Liga, a scene eerily similar to what happened at the Metropolitano Stadium last night.
Sources added that several Barcelona players believe the defeat to Atlético Madrid highlights how difficult it is to successfully apply Flick’s ideal style without Pedri and Raphinha, both of whom are sidelined with hamstring injuries and crucial to the system’s success.
Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid had prepared successfully to counter their plans. Diego Simeone’s side excelled at pressing Barcelona, while clever runs from the back and feints by attackers using offside positions helped them easily break through the defense to score goals.
Sources noted that the main message Barcelona’s players wanted to convey to Flick was not that they wanted to abandon a tactical approach that has generally been effective and brought a domestic treble last season. Instead, they demanded more pragmatism in key games and against certain opponents, as well as more adjustments based on the available players.
