Barcelona manager Hansi Flick openly criticized his own team following Monday night’s 2-1 defeat to Girona, admitting that the Catalan team is struggling to regain form and confidence after conceding first place in the league to their rivals Real Madrid.
The German coach refused to blame the refereeing decisions and instead pointed directly to his team’s level of performance.
“I don’t want to talk about the referee. Everyone saw the game,” he said.
“We defended very poorly, especially in transition. We were not well positioned and it was difficult for us to resist Girona’s attacks. We needed more control and fewer mistakes. In the first half we had more opportunities, but we have to show hunger to win these games.”
The defeat followed another disappointing result against Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey, increasing the pressure on a team that had already shown encouraging signs earlier in the campaign.
“After losing against Atlético it was important to win today and everyone is disappointed,” he explained.
Despite the setback, Flick believes the team now has a chance to bounce back during a clear week in training camp.
“We are not doing well. We are not in a good moment,” he admitted. “Now we have a week to work and that is what we will do. We will fight to return in the coming weeks with a different mentality and a higher level. Train and play.”
