Flick noted that his players weren’t well-positioned and struggled against twelfth-placed Girona, particularly in transition.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has explained why his team lost in Monday night’s La Liga clash against Girona, stating they defended poorly and lacked control.
The German tactician made this known during his post-match interview following the 2-1 defeat to their hosts at the Estadi Montilivi.
The first half was defined by missed chances from both sides, including a penalty from Lamine Yamal that struck the post.
In the second half, Barça finally took the lead through a fine Pau Cubarsí header, but Girona pulled level almost immediately from the restart.
Both teams gave everything to find a winner, but it was the home side who eventually found the net with four minutes of regular time remaining.
Hansi Flick’s team believed defender Jules Koundé had been fouled in the build-up to the winner, but the goal was awarded after a brief Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check.
The loss means Barcelona have surrendered the league’s top spot to their arch-rivals, Real Madrid.
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The result also marks a second successive defeat for the visitors, who suffered a 4-0 hammering by Atlético Madrid in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final on Thursday.
While analysing the intriguing encounter after the match, Flick insisted that Barcelona did not play well against the hosts.
According to him, the Blaugrana defended very poorly against Girona, particularly in transition.
“We defended very poorly, especially in transition. We weren’t well-positioned and struggled to withstand Girona’s attacks,” he said.
Flick added, “We needed more control and fewer mistakes. In the first half, we had more chances, but we have to show the hunger to win these matches.
“We did not play well and I don’t want excuses, but we have to play better.”
Following the defeat, Barcelona will now prepare for their league game against Levante on Sunday.
