Hansi Flick gave Barcelona players a stern talking-to after the 2-2 draw against Celta de Vigo. Jules Koundé took part of the blame afterward, but Flick did not agree with him.
Barcelona’s 2-2 draw against Celta de Vigo has left fans and management deeply frustrated, as what appeared to be a routine win turned into a collapse in the final stages of the match.
Goals from Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski had seemingly put the Catalan side in control, but a red card for Marc Casadó changed the dynamics entirely. The numerical disadvantage, combined with a series of costly mistakes, saw Barcelona squander their lead, with Jules Koundé’s critical error proving decisive.
Head coach Hansi Flick did not hold back in his post-match analysis, expressing clear disappointment in his team’s overall performance. "It wasn’t just the last ten minutes; the whole game was poor," Flick said bluntly. "We made a lot of mistakes, even in the first half, and we lacked confidence on the ball. We didn’t play the football we’re used to. It’s now up to us to respond because this must not happen again. Everyone is capable of doing better than they showed today."
Flick’s comments highlighted a broader issue of inconsistency within the team. While Barcelona has shown glimpses of brilliance this season, lapses in concentration and composure have repeatedly undermined their efforts. The coach also praised Celta’s resilience, acknowledging that their mentality made them a tough opponent. "Celta has a strong mentality, so it’s always challenging to play against them," he noted. "Of course, it was windy, but that’s no excuse. Sometimes a centimeter can make all the difference, but there was a lack of focus. If you play at 80% or 85%, you can’t win."
Flick was clear in stating that the blame could not be placed solely on individuals, despite Koundé’s error being pivotal. "This isn’t just the fault of Jules or Casadó. The team wins and loses together," he emphasized. "But we will return to our level, and I hope what we saw today won’t affect the game against Stade Brest on Tuesday."
For Koundé, the match was a personal low point. The French defender took full responsibility for his performance, speaking candidly about his role in the result. "I’m the first to admit that I didn’t play well," Koundé said. "I lacked focus, and ultimately, you pay a high price for that by making an unacceptable mistake. I accept this error, which put us in a difficult situation. We partially drew the game because of me."
Koundé’s self-criticism reflects a broader issue within Barcelona’s squad: a lack of cohesion and confidence in high-pressure moments. Despite boasting some of the world’s best players, the team has struggled to maintain consistency, particularly in tight matches. Flick’s challenge will be to address these weaknesses while maintaining the team’s morale and focus on their objectives.
The red card for Marc Casadó was another turning point, as it forced Barcelona to defend under pressure with ten men. While the young midfielder’s dismissal may be attributed to inexperience, it highlighted the importance of discipline in such situations. Flick is expected to work closely with Casadó and other young players to ensure they learn from these moments.
Looking ahead, Barcelona faces a crucial match against Stade Brest in just a few days. Flick’s comments suggest he is eager to move past the disappointment and refocus the team on their upcoming challenge. However, the psychological impact of the draw against Celta may linger. For a team that aspires to dominate both domestically and in Europe, performances like these are a stark reminder of the work still to be done.
This draw also raises questions about Flick’s tactical adjustments and his ability to inspire consistency in his squad. While he has been praised for his attention to detail and ability to develop players, matches like this expose the need for better game management and stronger leadership on the pitch.
Barcelona fans, accustomed to success, will expect a swift response. The match against Stade Brest will not only test the team’s resilience but also provide a glimpse into Flick’s capacity to navigate setbacks and rally his players. For now, the focus remains on turning lessons into action and ensuring that such collapses do not become a recurring theme.
