FC Barcelona suffered a stunning defeat against Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey. A brutal setback that hasn’t gone down well with Hansi Flick, who clearly did not appreciate his team’s performance.
Hansi Flick didn’t hold back after Barcelona’s heavy 4-0 loss to Atlético Madrid. The German coach reportedly unleashed a real tirade in the locker room, criticizing an unacceptable first half.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the coach was blunt: he criticized his players for stepping onto the pitch “without spirit, without intensity, without the desire to fight.” For him, the image displayed during the first 45 minutes was unworthy of a club aiming to win titles and so close to a final.
The message was clear: against an opponent known for their commitment and fighting spirit, Barça did not show up. For Flick, this kind of performance is simply incompatible with the demands of the highest level.
For Hansi Flick, it’s already time to turn the page
After the slap received at the Metropolitano, the FC Barcelona coach urged his squad to immediately focus on the crucial trip to Girona FC at Montilivi. A decisive meeting in the title race for La Liga, where any misstep could be costly.
The idea is clear: turn the humiliation suffered against Atlético Madrid into a wake-up call. Learn lessons, correct the attitude, and permanently banish the passivity shown in the first half.
In the press conference, Flick did temper his words. While he acknowledged that Atlético displayed more strength and hunger in the first 45 minutes, he insisted on his confidence in his group: he expressed pride in the season so far. Internally, however, the message was firm—and perfectly understood.
