Despite a blistering start to the season, FC Barcelona will not close out the year 2025 as leaders of the La Liga table. The Blaugrana had occupied the top spot for the majority of the first half of the campaign but relinquished their position last night following a defeat to Atletico Madrid.
Hansi Flick was notably absent from the touchline during the match, serving a suspension after receiving a red card against Real Betis.
Nevertheless, as [Mundo Deportivo](https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20241222/1002375586/flick-gran-frustracion-volveremos-mas-fuerza.html) reported, Flick still addressed the media in the post-match press conference, offering his perspective on [Barcelona’s latest setback](https://barcanewsnetwork.com/pedri-9-5-lewandowski-5-0-barcelona-1-2-atletico-madrid-player-ratings/). The head coach lamented his team’s inability to capitalize on their chances, citing missed opportunities as a key factor in the loss:
**“We competed against a team that took advantage of their opportunities. I think we played a brilliant game, especially in the first half. We created many chances. I’m very proud of the players and very disappointed with the result. Atlético is a very experienced team and capitalized on their chances.”**
**“It’s frustrating not to have been able to get points today. That’s the frustration I have. Pedri was incredible, and so was Gavi. This is what we want for the future. We take it as an example. It’s a big frustration before Christmas, but we’ll come back stronger. The team will show that we can score more.”**
Despite his team’s defeat, Flick accepted that this was an excellent game in which both sides put on a show:
**“This match against Atlético was against a rival of our level. It was a fantastic game. The matches against Leganés and Las Palmas represent six points we’ve wasted, but today was a fantastic game. They defended well, but we had many opportunities. The result should have been different. They capitalized on the three mistakes we made.”**
**“Maybe the Christmas break will do us good. I told the team that I’m delighted, but we need to play smarter. I have nothing to criticize about the quality of our play. This is how we want to play, but in the end, it’s football, and the team that scores more goals wins the game. Losing nine points at home is not normal; we’ll have to work on it.”**
The Barcelona head coach also revealed his expectations from the team regarding their mentality going forward:
**“We play matches to win them; if you don’t want to win, you’d better not play football. The six points lost against Leganés and Las Palmas don’t concern me because they are in the past. In the upcoming home matches, we have to win them all; this is where we need to focus.”**
**“Today, we saw the quality we have to play. After the break, which we all need, we’ll train and show how strong we are. Today, we’re all disappointed by the defeat.”**
Pedri was clearly the best player in a Barcelona shirt in this game, and Flick also took this opportunity to highlight his good level:
**“Pedri is very professional and trains a lot. He takes great care of himself physically, and does extra training sessions, and additional treatments. It’s fantastic to see him at this level. On the field, you can also see him leading his teammates. He’s 22 years old and is on the right track.”**
Lastly, the German tactician also praised Gavi, who put on a good shift in this game:
**“He has taken a big step forward. He has a lot of passion, and that helps the team a lot. It’s great to see him back with such strength.”**