Hansi Flick described Barcelona’s 4-0 cup defeat to Atletico Madrid as a necessary “wake-up call” while sharply criticizing a lengthy VAR decision that disallowed a potential comeback goal.
Hansi Flick offered a brutally honest assessment following Barcelona’s devastating 4-0 loss to Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg.
The German manager lamented his team’s sluggish start and lack of cohesion, which saw the hosts score four times before the break.
Flick stated, “We didn’t play well as a team… Sometimes it’s good to learn a lesson like that.”
The match was marred by a controversial eight-minute VAR review that disallowed a Pau Cubarsi goal, further fueling Flick’s frustration.
Despite the significant deficit and a late red card for Eric Garcia, Flick remained defiant about the return leg at Camp Nou.
He noted the communication breakdown with officials, calling the situation “a mess” and a “disaster,” while vowing that his squad would fight on.