Flick reflects on Barcelona’s defeat to PSG – ‘They deserved the win’ | OneFootball

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick was honest in his post-match comments after his team suffered a 1-2 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

Despite Ferran Torres giving Barça the lead early on, the reigning European champions quickly struck back and controlled much of the game. Flick admitted his side were second best on the night.

“In the first half, in the first half hour, we were better than in the second, but we didn’t play at our best against an opponent who deserved to win. They’re a great team,” said the German coach.

Flick refused to highlight individual performances, insisting that the team as a whole is what matters.

He did, however, point out the physical demands in midfield, where Pedri and Frenkie de Jong once again played heavy minutes.

“Pedri and Frenkie de Jong have played a lot of minutes, and it’s important for us that they’re fresh,” Flick explained.

A wake-up call for Barcelona

The manager stressed that tiredness was visible in the second half. “I think you could see in the second half that some players were very tired.

Barcelona lost to PSG in the Champions League. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

“Pedri, Frenkie… but everyone gave their all on the pitch. With the score at 1-1, you have to have a better defensive structure. We have to learn and improve.”

While he admitted PSG were ahead in terms of quality at this stage, Flick remained hopeful about the future.

“We can’t say we’re at their level today. But I believe in my team, and we didn’t see our best today,” he said.

He also underlined the lessons learned, stating, “We didn’t have our structure in the second half. I liked watching Eric’s game.

“We have to train and improve. Today’s game helps us a lot. I’m sure we can play like PSG, but we have to hold on.”

Looking ahead, Flick demanded better focus and energy for the full game. “We have to last the full ninety minutes, we have to be better in defence, in possession, and exploiting spaces.”

Despite the loss, the coach was clear about one thing – “I don’t like losing,” he admitted, while adding that his players were equally upset in the dressing room.

Source: AS