After 4-0 collapse and refereeing storm, Flick explains Barça edge

A battered but defiant Hansi Flick faced reporters on Sunday ahead of Monday’s trip to Girona, a game Barcelona will begin without the league lead for the first time in weeks and with a string of absences including Marcus Rashford, Pedri, Gavi and Andreas Christensen. The German coach addressed a difficult stretch for the club, coming off a 4-0 loss at the Metropolitano and amid controversy following the club’s formal complaint to the Spanish soccer federation.

Asked what he expects from Girona, Flick was clear. “They’re a well-organized team, brave, and they play the ball out well. It’s important that we’re more intense and have more rhythm than in previous games.”

On the squad’s mood after Thursday’s defeat, he struck a pragmatic tone. “We lost the game on Thursday – it was a lesson, but life goes on. You have to accept defeat and stay focused and confident,” he said. “We have a lot of quality and we can beat anyone. But if we’re not focused, what happened in the first 45 minutes can happen again. Losing is allowed – getting back up is mandatory.”

Flick discusses referee conversation after Atlético defeat

Flick also addressed the refereeing controversy. “Sometimes there are things we don’t like. I spoke with the referee in Madrid in the locker room because I wanted him to explain why he hadn’t awarded that goal. The communication after the game was good. It wasn’t the referee’s fault that we lost. We have to improve ourselves.”

He described the exchange as calm and necessary. “I knocked on the referees’ locker room door and we talked. That has to be normal because there’s a lot of tension on the field. It was a good conversation, and it stays there.”

Could relations with officials improve? “Maybe. But normally you have to focus more on your team. After the press conference I felt I had to speak with them. So I went, and they opened the door.”

Team news: Rashford out, Raphinha available

On injuries, Flick confirmed Rashford is ruled out, though improving, while Raphinha is fit to play.

Reflecting on the defeat to Atlético, he offered a blunt assessment. “For me, Atlético were ready to fight and compete. It was a Champions League-level game, and in the first 45 minutes we didn’t have the attitude to be competitive. They were better in the duels, they had more rhythm. I liked what I saw in training today, but we have to show it tomorrow. You can lose, but everything is possible if we play as a team. If we’re at 100%, we have a lot of quality. Defeats happen. What matters is how you react.”

Raphinha’s influence has been notable – he missed five of the team’s six losses and did not start the other. “Yes, he’s important and we missed him,” Flick said. “I see him in training. He always raises the rhythm and intensity. For me, he was the best player in the world last season.”

Pedri close to return as Barça seek reaction

On halftime adjustments, Flick emphasized urgency. “We always want to change something if necessary. At halftime you have the chance to influence the second half. Maybe we need that pause, but we have to start games at that level.”

Pedri could return soon, possibly this month, while Gavi is more likely to come back in March.

As for tactical challenges, whether facing five-man defenses or teams with dangerous wide players such as Atlético or Chelsea, Flick preferred to keep the focus internal. “Atlético and Chelsea are quality teams and it’s not easy. But that’s the past. I want to focus on what’s ahead. It’s not about what our opponents have, it’s about us.”

Marc Bernal is ready, he added, though lineup decisions will depend on what best helps the team. Changes are expected.

Finally, on the broader debate about refereeing standards in Spain, Flick was measured. “I can’t change those things. We’re all human and we make mistakes, and we have to learn. I want to see that from my team – and also from the referees. Making mistakes is human, but we have to improve in the right way. Everyone has to be neutral – that’s what I want to see from referees. But at the end of the day, we’re all human and everyone makes mistakes.”

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