Even after another chaotic defensive showing in Barcelona’s 3-3 draw against Club Brugge, Hansi Flick refused to flinch. After the game, Flick was asked if he thought it was time to change his game approach to protect the team.
He said: “I’ve answered this question twice before. No, that’s not what we want to change. We are Barcelona; we want to play our way, active and intense football, with or without the ball. And in some moments we miss this rhythm, but it’s not about changing the philosophy. We just need to keep working on this approach. I said previously: when everyone returns, that’s when we can judge us.”
Embed from Getty ImagesIt was a defiant response from a coach under increasing scrutiny. After conceding three more goals in Brugge, Barça’s defensive record this season continues to raise eyebrows. Flick’s insistence on high pressing and a stretched defensive line has given fans vintage entertainment and recurring heart attacks.
But there’s truth in his words. With Raphinha, De Jong, Gavi, and Pedri all in and out of the squad, Flick’s “everyone returns” clause isn’t empty optimism. Still, at a club where patience is never a luxury, a system that thrills yet leaks could test even Barcelona’s identity.
So, does Flick’s stubborn belief in Barça’s way show conviction? That, perhaps, depends on what the next result looks like.
Embed from Getty ImagesWritten by Pejuola Ransome
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