Hansi Flick did not hold back in his fierce criticism of Barcelona’s disastrous 2–1 defeat to Girona on Monday night, but he remains hopeful that a relenting calendar and the return of two key figures will help his side stop the rot.
Barcelona were once again torn to shreds in transition during the chaotic reverse at Montilivi. This setback came just four days after Atlético Madrid “picnicked happily in the yawning chasms” behind Barça’s backline in a 4–0 Copa del Rey thrashing.
“We’re not in a good moment, especially in defensive transitions,” Flick seethed.
Such was the peak of his fury that the Barcelona boss refused to linger on a controversial refereeing error involving a potential foul on Jules Koundé that led to Girona’s winner. “If we had played well, I could criticize the decision,” he scoffed. “We need to focus on our work and improve ourselves. We’re not showing our true potential.”
What Is Going Wrong for Barcelona?
Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García, despite making several world-class saves, summed up the crisis concisely: “We are conceding way too many chances; we concede too easily. It’s not something to celebrate if I have to make that many saves.”
While Barcelona have conceded the fewest total shots in La Liga, the quality of those chances is alarming. Flick’s side currently ranks 12th in the division for Expected Goals Conceded ($xG$).
| Statistic | Barcelona Value | La Liga Rank |
| Total Shots Conceded | 227 | 1st (Fewest) |
| Counter-Attacking Shots Conceded | 36 | 20th (Worst) |
| Offsides Provoked | 116 | 1st |
| Expected Goals Conceded (xG) | 28.4 | 12th |
The root cause is Barcelona’s aggressive high line. When the “counter-press” fails, opponents find clear routes to goal. Flick noted that the issue lies primarily in midfield positioning, leaving the defense “too open” and prone to costly mistakes.
Flick’s Planned Recovery: The Return of Pedri and Rashford
With Barcelona now trailing Real Madrid by two points at the top of the table, Flick is banking on a “recharge” period. The squad has played 13 games in 45 days, and the manager has granted the team two days off to reset.
The biggest boost comes from the treatment room. Flick confirmed that both Pedri and Marcus Rashford (currently on a successful loan from Manchester United with 10 goals this season) are expected back for Sunday’s clash against Levante.
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Pedri: The “brain” of the midfield has been sorely missed during recent pummellings by Chelsea and Atlético.
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Marcus Rashford: His absence in the last two games highlighted a lack of clinical edge up front.
Despite calls from the squad for “more pragmatism” and a “Plan B,” Flick appears determined to stick to his guns, focusing on fine-tuning his high-press system rather than abandoning it.