Flick’s greatest frustration with the Barcelona squad – Managing the final minutes | OneFootball

On Wednesday night, FC Barcelona fell to their first defeat of the 2025/26 season, losing 1-2 to Paris Saint-Germain at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

A stoppage-time goal from Goncalo Ramos secured a late victory for PSG against Hansi Flick’s men, who were not up to their usual level during the second period at Montjuic.

Flick annoyed by team’s failure to close matches

Now, according to SPORT, the outcome left Barcelona manager Flick frustrated with his team over their inability to close out matches in the final stages.

The German coach continues to insist on the need to control the closing stages of matches, but the team has yet to fully apply it, as was visible against PSG.

This was not only about the latest setback, but also a recurring problem that had hurt Barcelona before, such as last year’s Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan.

Flick has long been hammering home the importance of managing the ends of matches: keeping composure, staying organised, and having the calmness to “kill off” the final minutes.

Against Newcastle on matchday one, he praised the team’s ability to protect a 1-2 lead, maintain possession and prevent a late comeback. Against PSG, however, the same weakness reappeared, much to his frustration.

Flick frustrated with his team’s late lapses. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Barcelona are known for their frenetic pressing, verticality and aggressive attacking style. Yet when faced with a fresher, more intense opponent in the closing stages, the side failed to adjust.

In Gonçalo Ramos’ goal, Alejandro Balde was caught out of position high up the pitch, neglecting his defensive duties – a detail that irked Flick.

“We have to hold out for the full ninety minutes, we have to be better in defence, in possession of the ball, and take advantage of the spaces,” Flick specified after the game, visibly frustrated.

It is worth remembering that last season, Barcelona already suffered painful late setbacks.

Apart from the Inter Milan game, Alexander Sorloth’s goal in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Atletico de Madrid stands out, as well as his late winner in La Liga just two months before that.

As such, Flick will keep insisting on fixing such issues ahead of the most decisive fixtures of the season.