Dressing Room Concerns Surface Following Copa Defeat
Tensions reportedly emerged at Barcelona’s training ground after players raised concerns with head coach Hansi Flick in the aftermath of a heavy defeat to Atletico Madrid. The 4-0 loss in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final has left the Catalan side facing a significant challenge ahead of the return fixture at Camp Nou in March.
Despite enjoying a strong campaign overall, the scale of the defeat prompted internal discussions regarding tactics and execution. According to reports, members of the squad voiced reservations about Flick’s aggressive defensive approach, particularly the high line that was repeatedly exposed during the match.
Atletico Exploit Barcelona’s High Line
Barcelona entered the fixture in positive form, leading La Liga, progressing to the Champions League knockout rounds, and having already secured the Spanish Super Cup with a victory over Real Madrid CF. However, their Copa ambitions suffered a severe setback as Atletico capitalized on defensive vulnerabilities.
Under Diego Simeone, Atletico executed a disciplined and direct game plan that punished Barcelona’s high defensive positioning. The visitors created space behind and converted their opportunities with clinical efficiency.
Compounding the disappointment was a disallowed goal from Pau Cubarsí, ruled out after an extended VAR review, and a late red card shown to Eric García. Barcelona ended the match with ten men, further deepening frustration on an already difficult night.
Honest Exchanges at Training
The following day reportedly saw candid conversations at the training ground. Flick addressed the squad and questioned their intensity and mentality during the opening stages of the match. In response, players expressed their belief that the tactical setup may not have suited the circumstances.
Several members of the squad suggested that deploying such an advanced defensive line was ill-advised, given the personnel available. Injuries to key contributors, including Raphinha and Pedri, were highlighted as significant factors that limited the team’s ability to execute Flick’s preferred style.
While the squad reportedly remains committed to the overall philosophy, they are said to have requested greater flexibility in high-stakes fixtures and improved adaptation depending on available players and opposition strengths.
Flick Acknowledges Shortcomings
Speaking after the match, Flick conceded that his side had been outplayed in the opening half. He pointed to excessive spacing between players and a lack of coordinated pressing as key issues.
The German manager admitted that his team had received a harsh lesson but maintained pride in their broader campaign. He emphasized that the season as a whole has included significant injury challenges and praised the group’s resilience across competitions.
Flick also stressed that Atletico displayed greater determination from the first whistle, something he expects his players to replicate moving forward. Despite the deficit, he insisted the tie remains alive and outlined a clear objective of winning each half in the return leg by two goals.
VAR Controversy Adds Fuel
Frustration intensified due to the lengthy VAR process that led to Cubarsí’s goal being disallowed. A malfunction in the semi-automated offside system forced officials to manually determine the decision, resulting in an eight-minute delay.
Midfielder Frenkie de Jong publicly criticized the situation, questioning the clarity of the images used in the ruling. He described the circumstances as highly unusual and voiced dissatisfaction with the process.
Focus Turns to Response
The second leg at Camp Nou is scheduled for March 3, providing time for injured players to potentially return and for tactical adjustments to be made. Before that, Barcelona resumes league action away at Girona FC as they continue their La Liga title pursuit.
The coming weeks will reveal how effectively Flick and his squad respond to the setback. While internal discussions have reportedly been frank, the emphasis now shifts toward regaining momentum and keeping their season ambitions on track.
