Flick backs Barcelona philosophy after Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain defeats

Hansi Flick has insisted he has complete faith in Barcelona and the playing style he is trying to establish, following criticism of the club’s performances in major matches, including their defeats by Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

“I believe in my team and I am 100% convinced by it, as well as by the way we want to play football,” the Barcelona manager said when asked whether his side could perform consistently on the biggest occasions.

Flick was speaking after Barcelona’s victory over Atletico de Madrid, a result he described as extremely important. However, he acknowledged that his team had initially lacked the intensity required and had been second best in the opening stages.

For Flick, Atletico de Madrid’s greater involvement in individual duels and challenges gave the home side the advantage at the start of the match.

“For me, it is about the intensity we have on the pitch, and that was not there at the beginning,” he said. “You had the feeling that Atletico were more involved in the game, more present in one-against-one situations and in the duels, while we were not.”

Barcelona recovered during the first half and equalised before the interval, a moment Flick regarded as decisive in changing the direction of the contest. He said the response allowed his side to impose greater control after the break and produce the performance they had been aiming for.

The German added that Barcelona’s improvement after half-time made the final outcome deserved. Although his team had not reached the expected level in the opening period, he believed it controlled the match much more effectively in the second half.

Flick also explained the decision to use Frenkie de Jong at right-back. He said the player had made clear he was willing to fill the position if required, after the two discussed the possibility before the previous match.

The plan was for De Jong to remain on the right side for 50 minutes before being replaced if Berni began to feel tired. Flick said the substitution plan was carried out as intended and that he considered the decision the correct one.

Barcelona are scheduled to feature in La Liga on 22 November 2026, with Villarreal, Getafe and Atletico de Madrid also appearing in the listed league schedule.

Flick’s final message was that Barcelona would continue to work according to their established philosophy. He said the team would rely on the quality of its players and his confidence in their ability to carry out the style of football he wants to embed, maintaining his commitment to the project despite the criticism that followed the losses to Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.