FC Barcelona Coach Flick Criticizes Players After Real Madrid Win

In a thrilling preseason El Clásico clash held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, FC Barcelona emerged victorious over arch-rivals Real Madrid with a 2-1 win. Despite the triumph, new Barcelona coach Hansi Flick did not hold back in his post-match critique of his players, emphasizing the need for improvement as the LaLiga season approaches.

The match, which was delayed by more than an hour due to a lightning storm, saw Barcelona's Pau Victor score twice, once in each half, to secure the win. Real Madrid managed to pull one back late in the game through Nico Paz, but it was not enough to overturn Barcelona's lead.

Flick, who took charge of Barcelona earlier this summer, expressed his dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the team's performance. "While I am pleased with the result, there are several areas where we need to be much better," Flick stated. "Our defensive organization was lacking at times, and we allowed Real Madrid too many opportunities, especially in the second half."

The German coach's comments come as a surprise to some, given the team's overall positive performance. Victor's goals were a testament to Barcelona's attacking prowess, with both strikes coming from well-executed crosses by Álex Valle. The first goal saw Victor capitalize on a deflected pass from Robert Lewandowski, while the second was a result of Victor's keen positioning and quick reaction to Valle's delivery.

Despite these highlights, Flick's focus remained on the team's shortcomings. "We cannot afford to be complacent," he continued. "Real Madrid is a strong team, and they exposed some of our weaknesses. We need to work on our defensive transitions and ensure that we maintain our concentration throughout the entire match."

Flick's criticism was not limited to the defensive aspects of the game. He also pointed out the need for better ball retention and decision-making in the midfield. "We lost possession too easily at times, which put unnecessary pressure on our defense. Our midfielders need to be more composed and make smarter choices with the ball," he said.

The match saw several key players miss out due to injuries and international commitments. Barcelona was without Spain's Euro 2024 winners Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, as well as Ronald Araújo, Pedri, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, and Ansu Fati. Real Madrid, on the other hand, was missing star summer signing Kylian Mbappé and England international Jude Bellingham, among others.

Despite these absences, the match was highly competitive, with both teams showcasing their depth and talent. Real Madrid's late goal by Nico Paz came after a period of sustained pressure, highlighting the need for Barcelona to remain vigilant until the final whistle.

Flick's approach to his new role at Barcelona has been characterized by high standards and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His post-match comments reflect a desire to instill a winning mentality and ensure that the team is prepared for the challenges of the upcoming season.

"We have a lot of potential, but potential alone is not enough," Flick emphasized. "We need to work hard, stay focused, and continue to improve in every aspect of our game. The preseason is a time for learning and growth, and we must use it wisely."

Barcelona's preseason tour of the U.S. will conclude with a match against AC Milan in Baltimore, while Real Madrid will face Chelsea in Charlotte. Both teams will be looking to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the LaLiga season, which begins in two weeks.

As Barcelona fans celebrate the win over their rivals, Flick's candid assessment serves as a reminder that there is still work to be done. The German coach's commitment to excellence and his willingness to address the team's weaknesses head-on bode well for Barcelona's prospects in the upcoming season.