The heavy 4-0 loss to Atlético Madrid on Thursday night reportedly exposed deeper issues within FC Barcelona. The comprehensive defeat at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano presents a major challenge for the Blaugrana ahead of the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg on 3 March.
Reports say the performance and result left manager Hansi Flick frustrated, particularly by the players’ attitude and intensity during the opening period. After hearing what Flick had to say before Friday’s training session, members of the squad reportedly felt compelled to raise concerns about aspects of his tactical approach.
According to The Athletic, several players believed that sticking to Flick’s trademark intense pressing and a high defensive line was not appropriate for the conditions at the Metropolitano. They felt the circumstances on the night made that style difficult to execute effectively.
Those players judged that this was the right moment to voice their worries, noting this was not the first time the team had found itself in a similar predicament. The Club Brugge game — where they managed to salvage a 3-3 draw — and the 4-1 loss to Sevilla were cited as other occasions when the approach faltered.
Several squad members also felt that implementing Flick’s ideas was made harder by the absence of two important players — Raphinha and Pedri. The main message the stars wanted to convey was not to abandon the tactical principles that have delivered success, but to ask the manager for a more pragmatic approach in big matches and greater adaptability to the personnel available.
