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Rabat – Barcelona’s training ground turned tense on Friday as players and coach Hansi Flick exchanged direct criticism following the heavy 4-0 loss to Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg.
According to The Athletic, Flick questioned the squad’s attitude and intensity, especially in the first half at the Metropolitano.
Players responded by raising concerns about tactics, arguing that sticking to the usual high-pressing style with a very advanced defensive line was not the right choice for that match.
This was not the first time such disagreements surfaced. Earlier in the season, Barcelona struggled similarly. They drew 3-3 with Club Brugge in the Champions League after losing control of the game, and a month before that, they were beaten 4-1 at Sevilla.
Several players believe the defeat at Atletico showed how difficult Flick’s system is to execute without Pedri and Raphinha.
Both are sidelined with hamstring injuries and are considered vital to the team’s pressing and attacking transitions. Raphinha has already missed 13 matches this season, though he trained again on Friday. Pedri, injured against Slavia Prague in January, is still not back in full training.
Atletico, meanwhile, were well prepared. Diego Simeone’s side pressed aggressively, blocked Barcelona’s build-up, and used clever attacking movements to break through. By halftime, they were already 4-0 ahead.
Despite the setback, Barcelona players did not ask Flick to abandon his philosophy. They instead requested more flexibility in key matches, with adjustments based on opponents and available personnel.
Flick’s approach delivered a domestic treble last season, but players want pragmatic tweaks when circumstances demand it.
Barcelona’s European record also adds pressure. Last season, they were knocked out of the Champions League semi-finals by Inter in a wild tie that ended 7-6 on aggregate.
This year, they have reached the last 16 and will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Monaco. The club has not lifted the Champions League trophy since 2015.
Attention now shifts to today’s La Liga trip to Girona. After Real Madrid’s 4-1 win over Real Sociedad yesterday, Barcelona have slipped two points behind their rivals. The Catalan side now need a win to reclaim top spot in the league.
In the meantime, more internal meetings and video analysis are scheduled over the weekend. The focus will be on reviewing the heavy defeat at Atletico and preparing tactical adjustments for the Girona match.
