Barcelona punished every Alaves mistake, says Quique Sanchez Flores after 6-1 defeat

Quique Sanchez Flores said Barcelona made Alaves pay for almost every defensive error as his side suffered a heavy 6-1 defeat at Camp Nou in La Liga.

The Alaves manager accepted responsibility for the result and asked that criticism be directed at him rather than his players, after Barcelona controlled the match and exposed the visitors’ lack of attacking efficiency.

“I had the feeling that every Barcelona attack would end in a goal, and that is what happened,” Sanchez Flores said. “We were not strong or decisive enough. I apologise and, as the manager, I accept the defeat. More than ever, I stand alongside my players.”

Barcelona’s dominance meant Alaves were unable to build pressure for sustained periods, although the visitors did create opportunities when the score was 2-0.

“When you imagine a match against Barcelona, you expect something like this,” Sanchez Flores said. “We opened the door for them and made things easier. We lacked decisiveness and attacking effectiveness, and we did not cause them enough problems.

“We had some chances when it was 2-0 and came close to scoring, but the two other goals decided the match.”

Sanchez Flores acknowledged that Barcelona dictated the rhythm and shape of the contest, leaving Alaves frustrated by the way the game developed.

“They played the match in the way they wanted, controlled what happened and scored every time they attacked,” he said. “We leave the pitch feeling frustrated, and I want the criticism to be aimed at the manager, not at my players.”

The defeat also left a psychological impact on the Alaves squad, but Sanchez Flores said his players must quickly move on and focus on correcting the mistakes that led to the scoreline.

“It leaves a mark, and we have to understand that we could have performed better, but the situation is temporary,” he added. “We cannot continue thinking about what happened. We have to turn the page, identify our mistakes and work to correct them.”

The manager also defended the attitude of his players, saying they had tried to limit Barcelona’s space despite the physical demands of the match.

“We did not lack desire or intent, but we made mistakes,” Sanchez Flores said. “If there is no enthusiasm, then the manager has to reconsider the situation.”

The result was particularly damaging because Alaves were unable to take advantage of their limited openings before Barcelona extended their lead. Sanchez Flores said the team’s failure to show greater determination in both boxes had allowed the hosts to impose themselves and turn the match into a one-sided contest.