Flick: Barcelona’s Loss Due to Too Many Mistakes; Extensive Rotation Not an Excuse for Defeat

In the early hours of September 29, Barcelona suffered a 2-4 defeat against Osasuna in the eighth round of La Liga. After experiencing their first loss in the league this season, Barcelona coach Flick did not show excessive emotional fluctuation but maintained a calm attitude. He frankly admitted that the team made “many mistakes” in this game and stated that the team will conduct an in-depth analysis of the match, correct these mistakes, and quickly shift their focus to the upcoming game—Tuesday’s home match against Young Boys from Switzerland.

“The performance in this game was not ideal. We made many mistakes in the first half,” Flick said when talking about the result. He believes that although extensive rotation might be one reason for the errors, it is not an excuse. “Our lineup underwent significant changes, which might be one of the reasons, but it was also necessary. The schedule has been tight recently, and some players have already participated in a lot of games.”

Regarding the trust placed in some players, including Sergi Domínguez, Gerard Martín, and Pau Víctor, Flick emphasized the importance of managing player fitness reasonably. Particularly considering the team has already faced several injuries early in the season. “I take responsibility for this. Tuesday’s game is very important for us. We are on the right track,” he commented.

“After the international break, we will have players returning,” Flick believes that if Barcelona could maintain the second-half performance throughout the whole game, they could have won. “If we had performed well from the start, we could have won. In the second half, we controlled the game and created some opportunities,” he analyzed.

Flick maintains an optimistic outlook for the future. “After the international break, our squad will be more complete, and we will have more options. Frequent rotation is not an excuse because it is a situation we must face,” he firmly stated. At the same time, he also talked about the challenges the team is currently facing. “Looking at the current squad, we only have three midfielders and a defender who can play as a midfielder. It’s not easy, but we are willing to accept this challenge.”

Regarding Budimir’s penalty kick when the score was 2-1, Flick believed it was a crucial moment that changed the course of the game. “That penalty hit us hard. Osasuna’s counterattacks were excellent. We need to carefully analyze this game, identify the issues, and improve them.”

Flick was unwilling to discuss the referee’s decisions too much, even though there seemed to be a foul on Pau Víctor during the buildup to Osasuna’s second goal. “According to my understanding, there may indeed have been a foul at the start of their second goal, but the referee did not call it. That’s in the past now, and I don’t intend to dwell on it.”

As for the possible foul on Koundé and the potential penalty for Yamal, Flick remained calm. “My position off the pitch wasn’t ideal for making a judgment. Although there may have been a foul, the final decision rests with the referee and VAR. It’s happened, and I won’t focus on it too much.”

Despite losing the game, Flick did not show excessive worry or unease. He maintained his usual composure and stability. “I think we should strive for our first win in the Champions League.”

Regarding Lewandowski’s substitution, Flick was not surprised when asked about it. Prior to this, Lewandowski usually stayed on the field until the end of the game. In the game against Osasuna, when the team was trailing 1-2, Flick substituted Lewandowski with Marc Casadó in the 70th minute, after which Osasuna scored a penalty and secured their victory. Regarding this substitution, Flick stated that it was mainly due to consideration of Lewandowski’s physical condition. “I took him off to give him a rest,” he tried to avoid any negative interpretation. “Every player needs rest. Robert is very strong, but we almost play a game every three days. This is done for his health,” he explained.