Some Barcelona players have reportedly raised concerns about head coach Hansi Flick’s tactical approach in big games, particularly his reliance on the ‘high-line’ system and the exclusion of certain key players.
The Blaugrana suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Atlético Madrid in the first leg of the Spanish Copa del Rey semi-final at the Wanda Metropolitano.
After the game, the German coach criticised his players for their lackluster performances, which he said contributed to the poor result.
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“We had a bad game, not just the final 10 minutes. I didn’t like the whole performance. We made too many mistakes. We did not control the ball. We must return to our level,” he told the media.
However, British media outlet The Athletic reported that a meeting took place between Flick and his squad, during which some players questioned his tactical approach.
It was suggested that the players urged Flick to adopt a more “pragmatic approach in key games,” expressing concern over the high defensive line.
They argued that tactics should be adjusted based on the strength of the opposition and the availability of key players, as absences could negatively affect performances.
Barcelona were without Raphinha and Pedri during the heavy defeat, with many believing their absence dealt a significant blow to the team’s ability to execute Flick’s system effectively.
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