Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick admitted his side needs to strengthen defensively if they want to compete with Europe’s top clubs, especially Paris Saint-Germain. His comments came after a heartbreaking defeat in the UEFA Champions League group stage, where PSG snatched a 2-1 victory with a last-minute goal.
On Wednesday night, the French champions sealed the win in the 90th minute when Gonçalo Ramos scored the decisive goal. The result highlighted Barcelona’s defensive vulnerabilities, a recurring issue that has troubled the Spanish giants in recent seasons.
Flick Acknowledges PSG’s Superior Play
Speaking after the match, Flick openly praised PSG for their high-quality performance, noting that Barcelona’s defense struggled to cope with the pace and skill of Luis Enrique’s men.
“When the score is 1-1, you need a stronger defensive strategy. We failed to manage that moment,” Flick said.
He also reminded reporters of last season’s Champions League disappointment, when Barcelona conceded seven goals across two matches in the semi-finals against Inter Milan. Flick stressed that unless the defense improves, similar outcomes will continue.
Lessons for Barcelona’s Future
The German coach insisted that this defeat must serve as a learning experience for his players.
- On Barcelona’s mistakes: Flick admitted that his team was not at their best form and committed errors that PSG exploited.
- On PSG’s strengths: He praised the French side’s tactical discipline, highlighting their mix of skill, speed, and youthful energy.
- On Barcelona’s potential: Flick expressed confidence that his squad has the talent to rise to the level of Europe’s best, but only if they commit to defensive improvements.
The Gap Between Barcelona and PSG
Hansi Flick warned that Barcelona’s defensive weaknesses cannot remain hidden, especially against Europe’s top-tier clubs. While he believes Barcelona can play at PSG’s level on their best days, consistency and resilience remain key challenges.
“If we want to face teams like PSG, we must raise our level in every department,” Flick emphasized.
Analysis: What Barcelona Must Fix
Barcelona’s attacking flair has rarely been in doubt, but their defensive lapses have cost them dearly on big occasions. To return to Europe’s elite, the Catalan club needs:
- Stronger backline coordination to avoid conceding late goals.
- Better in-game management when the score is tied or under pressure.
- More discipline in midfield support to relieve pressure on defenders.
Looking Ahead
Despite the setback, Flick remains hopeful. He trusts his players will learn from these mistakes and deliver stronger performances in upcoming matches. The challenge for Barcelona now is to turn words into action and prove they can stand shoulder to shoulder with Europe’s finest.