Barcelona manager Hansi Flick faced the press after his team’s frustrating 3-3 draw against Club Brugge, admitting that there are still several areas the squad must improve.
Despite the defensive lapses that cost them vital points in Europe, the German coach made it clear that he has no plans to abandon Barcelona’s traditional attacking style of play.
Reflecting on the performance, Flick acknowledged that it was far from a simple night in Belgium.
“It wasn’t easy. We created chances, they played very well. They were aggressive, as we expected,” he began.
Even though Barça conceded three times, Flick stood firm in defence of his tactical identity.
“We are Barça and we want to play our football. We can talk about changing everything, but I’m not that kind of coach.
“We will play according to our DNA. We won’t defend in our own half and we’ll play on the counter-attack to win 1-0,” he said, before reaffirming his belief in the team’s long-term vision.
Midfield frailties
Turning his focus to the midfield, Flick underlined the lack of pressure and possession control that left his defence exposed.
“The midfield didn’t press enough. We lost possession too often, and it wasn’t easy for the defensive line to defend against their quick attacks,” he observed.
However, he also called for improvement from his defenders, admitting that the back line “needs to do things better.”
For Flick, the key takeaway was, “When there’s no intensity, you have no chance in the Champions League.”
On Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal, Barcelona player
Lamine Yamal scored a fantastic goal against Club Brugge. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
The coach also addressed questions about Lamine Yamal, whose performances continue to impress fans across Europe.
“For me, it’s about us being a team. It’s good that Lamine played a good game, but we have to talk about many things,” Flick said.
Pressed further, Flick expressed satisfaction with the youngster’s progress but remained cautious about his physical condition.
“I’m happy to see Lamine at this level. But as I said last Sunday, I don’t know exactly how he’ll be for the next match.
“It’s important that he manages it. We’re hoping he continues to be well, but we can’t say exactly what the situation is.”
Will he change his tactics?
When the discussion turned to the team’s defensive fragility, Flick didn’t shy away from acknowledging the problem.
“We didn’t press well in midfield. And if you don’t win duels, it’s not easy for the back line to defend against fast players.
“We have to analyse everything, talk to the players, and try to do better.”
Asked if a tactical change might be necessary, the manager refused to compromise on Barcelona’s footballing identity.
“We can defend in the final third, but we’ll stick to our philosophy because we can do better.
“Last year, the 1-0 would have been two meters offside. But we want to play with our ideas.
“3-3 isn’t the best result for us, but the positive thing about the game is that we managed to come back after they took the lead three times. Of course, we have to talk about this,” he commented.
Promising improvement
Hansi Flick will not change his system. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Finally, Flick made it clear that the issue lies not in the tactical model, but in execution.
“It always comes down to the team. We did well last Sunday and today, but only a few times. We have to work on this. We are the same team.
“We know that this is not the best moment for us, but I am going to look at it positively and think that, after the break, when Joan Garcia, Raphinha, and Pedri return, and Olmo and Lewandowski are at another level, we will improve.”
When asked whether it was time to rethink the system, Flick ended the press conference with a strong message of conviction.
“I’m not going to repeat it. The way forward is not to change. We are Barça. Our football is about being active and having intensity. With and without the ball.
“We have to work on this. And when everyone comes back from injury, we’ll see how it goes.”
Source: AS