Capello: ‘arrogant’ Flick led to Barcelona’s loss against Inter | OneFootball

Former Milan, Roma and Juventus coach Fabio Capello slams ‘arrogant’ Hansi Flick but is a big fan of Luis Enrique: ‘A coach who has shaped the team around his playing style.’

Former Italian coach Capello blames Barcelona coach Flick for how he handled the final minutes of the second leg of the Champions League semifinal against Inter on Tuesday.

The Catalans were leading 3-2 with only the stoppage time left to play, but Francesco Acerbi scored a dramatic equaliser in the dying minutes.

“Inzaghi was smart in taking advantage of the opportunities, while Flick was a bit arrogant as he continued playing man-on-man,” Capello told Gazzetta.

“Luis Enrique is a very prepared coach who has shaped the team around his playing style.”

Luis Enrique’s PSG will face Inter in the Champions League Final on May 31 at the Allianz Arena in Munich.

The Nerazzurri have qualified for the second Champions League Final in the last three years after losing in 2023 to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

The last time they lifted the cup with the big ears was in 2010 under José Mourinho, when they also conquered a legendary treble.

epa12078589 FC Barcelona’s coach Hansi Flick looks on ahead of the UEFA Champions League semifinal 2nd leg soccer match between Inter Milan and FC Barcelona, in Milan, Italy, 06 May 2025. EPA-EFE/ROBERTO BREGANI

More from Capello’s interview

The ex-Italian tactician, a 1993-94 Champions League winner with Milan, also warned Inter about PSG’s most dangerous players.

“Luis Enrique’s team is well balanced and has a very strong midfield. They are not physically imposing, but they have top-quality dynamism and tactical awareness,” he argued.

“They press immediately, trying to win the ball back, even if yesterday they seemed a bit unsettled by Arsenal’s pressing.

“Doué, Dembélé, and Kvaratskhelia are excellent dribblers, and they can punish you if you don’t handle them well,” noted Capello.

“Marquinhos still plays a crucial role in defence, and there’s a similarity with Inter, the wing-backs Hakimi and Mendes. Like the Nerazzurri, they are very effective when pushing forward. Maximum focus will be needed on the flanks.”

Click here to read the full Capello interview.