Hansi Flick has complained to UEFA about the Wanda Metroplolitano pitch ahead of Barcelona's Champions League quarter-final second leg clash against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday evening.
The Catalan giants went into the tie as favourites but were well beaten at the Camp Nou in the first leg. Julian Alvarez gave Atletico the lead on the stroke of half-time, finding the net a minute after Pau Cubarsi was given a controversial red card.
Alexander Sorloth doubled the away side's advantage with 20 minutes remaining and there were no further goals as Atletico clinched an impressive 2-0 victory.
Barcelona later released a sensational statement slamming the referee's 'unfathomable' decision to give Cubarsi his marching orders.
Hansi Flick Complains to UEFA
Hansi Flick
Barcelona have complained to UEFA again after his side trained at Atletico's pitch, the Wanda Metropolitano, ahead of the match.
According to Marca, Flick was not impressed after inspecting the turf. He reportedly thinks that the grass is too long and approached a UEFA official to ask about measuring the pitch.
Rules state that the height of the grass does not exceed three centimeters (30 millimeters) uniformly across the entire pitch. Barcelona prefer to play on shorter grass, with the Camp Now pitch typically at 2.3 centimeters.
UEFA responded by saying that they would calibrate and trim the grass if necessary, but Atletico have denied any wrongdoing.
They have stated that the grass is the same height as it has been throughout this season and in past campaigns. They even claim that the condition of the pitch has improved significantly in recent times, after overcoming the effects of the cold weather in the opening months of the year.
Hansi Flick Slammed For Complaints
hansi flick
Flick's complaints have not gone down well with Cadena SER journalist, Manu Carreno. Carreno said, per Tribuna:
"Sometimes I notice that Hansi Flick is starting to resemble Xavi complaining about the referees, the pitch. For a moment, I closed my eyes and saw Xavi. Complaining about the officiating in the first leg, wondering what the refereeing will be like in the return game...
"We saw him talking to UEFA representatives about the state of the field. This surprised me. For other coaches, the grass wasn't anything unusual, but it surprised Hansi Flick. I suppose the pressure the Catalans are putting on themselves ahead of the match works in their favor, as they know exactly what is at stake."
Flick, meanwhile, thinks his team are capable of a comeback. He said, per Barcelona's official website: "I believe in my team and I think we can do it - it's possible. I know we are up against a strong Atlético side with great players. We have to secure in defence and brave in attack. We have to take our chances as that was the difference in the first leg."