Manager Hansi Flick seemed to be inconsolable in the wake of Barcelona's 3-1 victory against Alaves on Saturday night. And an explanation for why he appeared to be so upset has since emerged.
Coming into the game off the back of a disappointing 3-0 loss against Chelsea in the Champions League, the Blaugrana found themselves trailing against their La Liga opponents inside one minute. Pablo Ibanez poked home after the hosts failed to deal with a corner, but Lamine Yamal then tied things up from close range just seven minutes later after the ball was cut back to him by Raphinha.
Barcelona gradually began to find their feet as the tie wore on and took the lead in the 26th minute through Dani Olmo. The Spanish international then tied things up in the third minute of extra time with a smart finish after being played through on goal.
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Why Flick Was Upset After Barcelona's Win
FC Barcelona coach Hansi Flick watching Barcelona vs Deportivo Alaves
LaLiga - FC Barcelona v Deportivo Alaves - Spotify Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain - November 29, 2025 FC Barcelona coach Hansi Flick looks on as Lamine Yamal holds the ball REUTERS/Albert Gea
Victory sent Barcelona above rivals Real Madrid at the top of La Liga, although Los Blancos could potentially return to the summit if they beat Girona on Sunday. However, despite the result, their manager, Flick, appeared to be incredibly upset after the final whistle.
Footage showed the German sat on the sidelines of the Camp Nou while being consoled by Raphinha. The video didn't pick up what was said between the pair, but the head coach looked to be in some distress.
Watch the Footage of Flick Below:
Following the match, though, Spanish outlet COPE and Helena Condis provided some more context around why Flick 'looked close to crying.' She states that the German has become "worn out" this season, adding that he feels "powerless" because the team are not performing at the same level as they were last season when they won La Liga.
The report went on to say that “it’s been a very tough week for Hansi Flick after the defeat in London,” where he saw his side outclassed by Chelsea in the Champions League, with the west Londoners' social media team rubbing salt into the wounds afterwards. Although three points would have been a welcome sight for Flick, seeing his team go behind to Alaves so early on Saturday might have been a cause of additional frustration.
Raphinha Reveals What he Told Flick
FC Barcelona's Raphinha in action with Deportivo Alaves' Antonio Sivera
LaLiga - FC Barcelona v Deportivo Alaves - Spotify Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain - November 29, 2025 FC Barcelona's Raphinha in action with Deportivo Alaves' Antonio Sivera REUTERS/Albert Gea
In the aftermath of the win against Alaves, Flick elaborated on what was said between himself and Raphinha on the touchline. According to Fabrizio Romano, the German said: "After the end of the match, Raphinha was telling me the same thing I said last time: We will improve. We will be much better in the upcoming matches."
The Brazilian, who grabbed an assist in a standout performance, then elaborated on those comments in a separate interview. He believes that Barcelona need to raise their game if they are to succeed in all competitions this term.
"The manager felt we could do more on the pitch; we know it too," Raphinha said. "That's his feeling. That the team isn't at its best, I agree, and we have to improve a lot.
"But the important thing was to win. I'm sure we'll come back and win games by playing well. But if there are games we win playing badly, I don't care, the important thing is to win."