Flick’s brutal dressing-down of Barcelona players after 4-0 loss to Atletico Madrid | OneFootball

Last night was one to forget for FC Barcelona as they were hammered 4-0 by Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final.

The Blaugrana were completely overwhelmed by their hosts at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano from the get-go, as they conceded all four goals in the first half, leaving them with a mountain to climb in the second leg in March.

Hansi Flick was not happy with the Barcelona squad

Now, Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona manager Hansi Flick dished out a strong reprimand to his players for their performance against Atletico.

Flick chose not to publicly single out his players after the game at the Metropolitano, despite the 4-0 scoreline. But less than 24 hours later, before training today, the German coach did not hold back.

In a direct and forceful talk, Flick told the squad that in the first half, they looked like a team without spirit, without intensity and without the desire to compete – especially when compared to the version shown by Atletico Madrid.

Flick was far from pleased with what he saw from Barcelona. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

According to sources close to the dressing room, Flick was blunt in his address to the squad. He told his players that what the image showed before half-time was not worthy of a side that wants to win trophies and is on the verge of a final.

He admitted he did not understand how they could step onto the pitch lacking the intensity required against a rival known for fighting for every ball.

After the reprimand, Flick urged the squad to move on quickly and focus on Monday’s crucial league clash against Girona. With the title race still tight, the margin for error is minimal, and he wanted the team to see the defeat to Atletico as a lesson.

In his post-match press conference, Flick struck a very different tone, avoiding criticising the players. But after reviewing the match and analysing the mistakes, particularly from the opening 45 minutes, he decided it was time to challenge the group.