Flick is honest after the blow in Dortmund: self-criticism and confidence for what is to come

FC Barcelona coach, Hansi Flick, appeared at the press conference after the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals against Borussia Dortmund (3-1). A match that ended in defeat for the Catalan team, which lost its unbeaten record in 2025 and showed one of its most vulnerable versions so far this season. The German team won with authority, although the 4-0 lead obtained by the Blaugrana in the first leg ended up being decisive.

Firstly, the native of Heidelberg openly acknowledged that the setback against the Germans generated a notable atmosphere of discouragement in the Barça dressing room. However, Flick revealed how he got his players to regain their spirits. "There was no good atmosphere in the dressing room until I arrived and said: 'We are in the semi-finals!'", he commented with a smile. From this, the German expressed that "reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League is a success" and did not hesitate to affirm that there will be a celebration tonight.

Self-criticism from the coach after a lackluster match from Barça

However, the joy for the qualification to the 'semis' of the UEFA Champions League does not overshadow the fact that FC Barcelona experienced one of its least brilliant matches so far this season, an issue that led the Barça coach to 'pull' self-criticism. However, without diminishing the work of the German team. "We have an excellent team, and it is true that we did not play well. But the opponent is also good and was playing at home," he warned.

Taking the opportunity, Flick emphasized that this type of match serves to learn and continue improving for what is to come. "After today, we must analyze what we can improve. Today is important because we have seen what is at stake. We must show our style in each match, and after what happened today, we will have to improve," he warned.

And he concluded with a message of confidence for the immediate future. "I have faith in the team and I know we will recover. Today we have seen what is at stake."

Flick's decisions on Pedri and Iñigo Martínez

Regarding some striking absences in the starting eleven, such as Pedri González, Flick explained his decision thinking about the player's well-being. "Pedri has played many minutes in recent weeks. Today was the moment for him to rest," he noted.

Speaking of the '8' of Barça, Hansi did not hesitate to emphasize the importance of the Tenerife midfielder for the correct functioning of Barcelona's game plan. "Pedri is very important for us. His control of the ball is crucial, and in the few minutes he has played today, it has been noticed," he noted.

He also mentioned why Iñigo Martínez was not in the starting lineup against the Germans. "Iñigo received a yellow card and we did not want to take any risks. That is why he rested today," he concluded.