“I don’t want to face him anymore”, Hansi Flick’s radical decision on this club

Hansi Flick had a night to forget as FC Barcelona played out a chaotic 4-4 draw against Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey. The German coach was left frustrated after witnessing his side struggle to cope with the relentless attacking threat posed by Diego Simeone’s men. In the aftermath of the game, Flick made a startling admission—he no longer wants to face Atlético Madrid.

The match at the Metropolitano was a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with defensive lapses, wasted opportunities, and moments of individual brilliance. Right from the kickoff, Barcelona appeared disoriented, and Atlético capitalized immediately. Within 50 seconds, Barcelona had already conceded, with young defender Pau Cubarsí unable to cope with Atlético’s aerial threat. It was a nightmare start, one that set the tone for what would become a thrilling yet frustrating encounter for Flick.

Just minutes later, Barcelona’s defensive woes continued. A costly mistake by Jules Koundé gifted Atlético their second goal. Flick, who has been working tirelessly to make his team more disciplined and competitive, was visibly frustrated. Conceding twice within the opening five minutes completely derailed his tactical approach, leaving Barcelona with a mountain to climb.

Despite their disastrous start, Barcelona attempted to respond. Pedri, as usual, was at the heart of everything positive for the Catalans. His presence in midfield provided much-needed control, and his goal in the first half gave Barcelona a lifeline. However, just when it seemed like they had stabilized, Atlético struck again, exposing Barcelona’s fragility at the back.

One of the biggest disappointments for Flick on the night was Ferran Torres. The Spanish forward had earned his place in the starting lineup after impressive performances in recent matches, but he failed to deliver when it mattered most. Twice he found himself in a perfect position to score, yet he squandered both chances—once in a one-on-one with the goalkeeper and again when he had an open net.

Antoine Griezmann, on the other hand, reminded Barcelona of his quality. The former Blaugrana star was instrumental in Atlético’s attacking moves, delivering a sublime assist for their first goal and scoring a brilliant second. He tormented Barcelona’s defense throughout the game, and his sharp movement made him almost unplayable at times. Flick had no answers to Atlético’s relentless pressure.

As the match progressed, Barcelona found themselves in a precarious situation. Despite pulling back goals and keeping the scoreline close, they failed to take control of the game. Their tendency to attack recklessly, without covering defensively, left them exposed to counterattacks. Atlético, a team that thrives in such situations, punished them repeatedly.

Flick was particularly frustrated by his team’s lack of composure in the final moments. With the game at 4-2, Barcelona should have managed the match better, but instead, they left themselves vulnerable. Atlético took full advantage, pushing Barcelona to their limits and forcing them into desperate defending.

After the match, Flick’s emotions were evident. The German coach, known for his meticulous planning, was left in disbelief at how easily his team fell apart under pressure. While he has made progress in reshaping Barcelona, this match was a harsh reminder that there is still a long way to go.

Speaking in the post-match press conference, Flick was candid about his frustrations. “This is not the way we should be playing,” he said. “We lacked discipline, and our defensive mistakes cost us. Atlético are a team that punishes every error, and we made far too many tonight.”

When asked about his struggles against Simeone’s side, Flick did not hold back. “I don’t want to face them anymore,” he admitted. “They always make it difficult, and today was no different. We need to improve, but facing them is always a tough challenge.”

Despite the disappointment, there were positives to take from the game. Pedri’s performance stood out, as he dictated play and inspired Barcelona’s comeback. His presence in midfield was invaluable, and his leadership on the pitch was evident. However, without him in the final moments, Barcelona looked lost, a testament to how crucial he is to the team.

Looking ahead, Flick knows that his team must learn from this experience. Defensive stability remains a major issue, and the inability to manage games properly is a concern. With key fixtures approaching, Barcelona cannot afford to repeat the same mistakes.

For Atlético, this result reinforced their reputation as a formidable opponent. Simeone’s men once again proved why they are one of the toughest teams to break down, and their relentless energy made the difference. Griezmann’s brilliance, combined with their tactical discipline, ensured they walked away with a valuable result.

As for Flick, this match will serve as a painful lesson. His goal of making Barcelona more competitive remains unchanged, but his side must show resilience in difficult moments. The German tactician knows that if they are to challenge for silverware, performances like this cannot become a habit.

Barcelona’s journey under Flick is still in progress, but one thing is clear—if they want to dominate Spanish football again, they must find a way to overcome teams like Atlético Madrid. Until then, Flick’s words will linger: he doesn’t want to face them anymore, but if Barcelona truly want to be great again, they will have no choice.