Barcelo manager Hansi Flick said that they were second best in their 2-1 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League in Barcelona on Wednesday. The Catalans despite initial control had to let go to PSG who exhibited maturity and tactical prowess to stage a late goal.
Flick made no secret of the fact that Barcelona were not playing to their maximum potential. I do not believe we can say today that we are on the same level, he said. After 35 minutes, it fell into the hands of PSG. They deserved the win.”
The German coach attributed the decline in performance to fatigue and breakdowns in the defensive organisation as some of the key factors. The goal of Goncalo Ramos in the 90 th minute showed that Barcelona is very weak in the transition, which Flick emphasized must be improved in further matches.
PSG, on its part, showed patience and calm. Senny Mayulu, 19, impressed with his equaliser, and Ramos’s late goal also demonstrated the squad’s strength and capability to make mistakes and punish them. Flick complimented the visitors’ tactical acumen and said that Barcelona needs to learn to seal gaps better.
This is a blow to Barcelona as they head to their next European match against Olympiacos three weeks later. Fick and his men must gather themselves quickly to move deep into the tournament.
The loss is an early experiment on Flick’s project, as it indicates that Barcelona is still in its transitional phase and needs improved defensive balance to play at a European level.
