Barcelona's season went from bad to worse after the club fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of local rivals Girona, days after succumbing to a 4-0 loss to Atlético Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals.
Former Real Madrid player Santiago Cañizares gave his view on Radio MARCA, saying he still believes Barcelona are favorites to win the Champions League and refused to call this a crisis. 'This isn't a crisis; Barça create a lot of chances. I'd be worried if they weren't creating chances, not if they weren't converting them. The team has the talent to win the UEFA Champions League,' he said.
He noted that Barcelona's defence looks weak compared with other top teams and said goalkeeper Joan García shouldn't be under so much pressure. 'Defensively, they can't be so weak. It's not normal for their goalkeeper to have so much work at a big club,' he added.
Cañizares defended Hansi Flick's aggressive style and said he still prefers a more attacking Barcelona. He pointed out that Barça's midfield and attack are among the best in Europe, but if you're so good up front you can't be so weak at the back — there is a lack of balance. 'He shouldn't change his philosophy, but rather adjust the system so that the creative players also learn to defend,' he said.
Finally, the former goalkeeper praised Flick for being direct about defeats and not making excuses, noting that Flick has hardly ever complained, has won every national title, and continues to choose his words carefully. 'The referee was just as bad as us.' Cañizares concluded that this summarizes the character of a coach who doesn't make excuses and who knows the real challenge lies within the dressing room.
