Hansi Flick Reveals What Barcelona Must Fix After Crushing PSG Defeat
Hansi Flick cited fatigue as the primary factor behind his Barcelona squad's defeat in a crucial Champions League clash against defending champions Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday evening.
Facing the current European titleholders presented an excellent chance for Barça to demonstrate their potential to claim the trophy this campaign. However, despite Ferran Torres opening the scoring at Montjuïc, PSG leveled through Senny Mayulu in the 38th minute before Gonçalo Ramos secured victory with a late winner.
"Our performance was significantly stronger in the opening 45 minutes compared to the second period," Flick analyzed. "We surrendered too much [control] due to exhaustion. The reality is that PSG represents an exceptional side; they possess very youthful and rapid players, and they delivered an outstanding performance."
Following 19-year-old Mayulu's equalizer, Flick believed PSG gained momentum.
"Beyond the 35-minute mark, PSG established superior command of the encounter. I don't believe we performed at our peak level. However, that's equally crucial in the Champions League. They earned their victory," the manager acknowledged.
The explanation for Barça's decline, having reached last season's Champions League semifinals and aiming for their first European crown in over ten years in 2025–26, was weariness.
"I believe you could observe in the second half that certain players were extremely fatigued. Pedri, Frenkie [de Jong]... but everyone contributed their maximum effort on the field. With the match tied at 1–1, you must maintain a stronger defensive organization. We must learn and develop," Flick continued.
"When you experience slight tiredness, it becomes evident on the pitch. I don't believe we can claim we're at an identical standard [to PSG], but I have faith in my squad, and we didn't display our finest form."
Luis Enrique: Barcelona are Champions League Contenders
Luis Enrique was the final manager to secure the Champions League trophy for Barcelona, achieving this in 2015 during the pinnacle of the 'MSN' period with Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez and Neymar leading a devastating offensive unit.
The Catalans haven't appeared in the final since that triumph, but having secured three points to take back to Paris, Enrique remained positive about his former club.
"They rank among the candidates to capture the Champions League," he maintained.
"They're performing brilliantly, at an exceptionally high standard, and this represents merely the start. There are limited teams with such a defined philosophy. Barça and ourselves are candidates to challenge for the championship. However, the elimination rounds will determine how each squad performs."
The Spanish tactician described the fixture as "outstanding," emphasizing the technical excellence displayed.
"When you witness two teams compete that don't resort to fouling [each other], that play and attempt to play and damage each other through possession... it's an extremely comprehensive match," he stated.
"They held the advantage until they netted the opening goal. We bounced back, Nuno [Mendes] produced an remarkable piece of play [to set up the equalizer]. I believe we were superior in the second period."