Hansi Flick, manager of FC Barcelona, invoked the club’s storied past to motivate his squad ahead of their last duel. This was just days after suffering a brutal 3-1 home loss to Borussia Dortmund that eliminated them from Champions League quarterfinals. Despite the defeat, Barcelona still moved through to the semifinals with a 4-3 aggregate win. Flick is adamant that his side should have progressed across the two legs of the tie. He doesn’t seem to underestimate the problems that Dortmund posed.
Magnifying the weight of the occasion was the intensity of the atmosphere at Signal Iduna Park, which Flick was quick to admit had a major impact on the contest. He noted that while Dortmund made life difficult for Barcelona, the team must maintain focus and continue their strong performances throughout the season. In doing so, he made it very clear that they cannot allow this minor setback to stop their momentum.
“I think everyone here recognizes and appreciates the team’s performances this season,” Flick remarked after the game. While deeply proud of his players for what they achieved, he wasn’t scared to point out their mistakes in this specific game.
Jules Koundé, a central pillar of Barcelona’s teams success, added support to Flick’s argument about timing with these comments on his teams performance. “Today was not our best game. I understand the questions in that respect, but I think we still have cause to be happy,” he said. Koundé pointed out that Barcelona lacked the attributes they had in the first leg. They had major issues with pressing teams effectively and closing down passing lanes. He lamented that errors and a lack of focus marred their display.
Flick said you have to be better in the second half. Perhaps we succeeded somewhat in the latter half, Koundé continued, thinking back to the changes he and the squad had to face in-game. Despite their struggles, he remained optimistic about their journey in the tournament.
Flick noted that Barcelona had a fantastic first leg in this tie, taking a 4-0 lead. They ran into trouble when they visited Dortmund in their one-match knockout tie. “I think we deserved to reach the semifinal. Dortmund made life difficult for us. The atmosphere was extraordinary, but we are in the last four,” he commented.
As Barcelona looks ahead to their biggest tests yet, Flick wanted to remind his players of their desire to continue moving ever onward. He said he was pleased with their body of work this season tempered by frustration with their performance of late.
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