Tension in Barcelona: Disagreement Between Players and Flick

Paul Ballus from "The Athletic" shared information on how "Barcelona" reacted to the bitter 4-0 defeat to "Atletico" in the Copa del Rey. The Madrid club scored all their goals in the first half.

According to Lent.az, a lively atmosphere reigned at Barcelona's training ground last Friday. Players and head coach Hansi Flick openly exchanged criticism. According to several sources familiar with the unscheduled conversation, the German coach harshly scolded the team, questioning the mood and intensity of the game, especially in the first half.

The players then voiced their concerns to the head coach about the team's tactics in the game and suggested that following his usual style - combining intense pressing with a very high defensive line - was not the best idea, as they felt the conditions were not suitable for it.

Sources said that the players decided to express their views in this way because it was not the first such incident this season. Similar difficulties occurred in the Champions League draw with Brugge (3-3) and in the La Liga match with Sevilla (1-4).

Sources say that several Barcelona players believe that the defeat to Atletico clearly showed how difficult it is to successfully apply Flick's preferred style without Pedri and Rafinha - both of whom are unable to play due to hamstring injuries and are both very important to the success of the system. However, the players are not demanding that the tactics be abandoned, but rather a more pragmatic approach in key games and against certain opponents, as well as adaptation to the current squad.

Rafinha has missed 13 games this season, but the Brazilian returned to training on Friday. Meanwhile, Pedri has not yet fully returned to training.