Hansi Flick: PSG was better, but we believe in our team

It was a speech with self-criticism, technical notes, assessment of the opponent, and also a message of confidence for what lies ahead. Below is a review of the highlights.

The context of the match

Flick clearly admitted that PSG deserved the victory and that his team ”was not at the same level” in many passages of the match.

”Today we cannot say that we are at the same level,” he stated, although he insisted that he believes in his squad and that this defeat should serve as a learning experience.

He highlighted that they started well, but from the 30-35 minute mark, PSG began to gain control of the match, particularly due to their ability to impose rhythm, recover spaces, and exploit gaps.
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Tiredness, defensive structure, and match control

One of the most repeated elements by Flick was the tiredness of some players, which he believed took its toll in the second half. In his view, this affected the ability to maintain the defensive structure that the team usually exhibits.

”We did not have the usual structure,” Flick pointed out, criticizing the lack of cohesion in the defensive phase and the spaces conceded.

He also emphasized that with the score at 1-1, they needed to play more intelligently, avoid conceded transitions, and be more organized in the final minutes. He was self-critical about the lapses that allowed PSG´s decisive play.

Valuing the positives: key names and attitude

Despite the defeat, Flick wanted to highlight commendable performances. He mentioned Eric García as a player who gave his all and whose performance he liked.

Regarding the opponent, the coach praised their style: young players with speed, fresh-legged players who knew how to exploit spaces. That level, he said, is something his team should aspire to and learn from.

As for the overall state of the group, he acknowledged the natural disappointment of not achieving a better result, but called for reflection and daily work to recover.

Self-criticism as a key word

Flick did not shy away from responsibilities. He focused on what his team did not do well —lack of structure, defensive lapses, physical wear— pointing out that these weaknesses were decisive against a superior-level opponent.

Importance of physical and mental resilience

The fact that tiredness has been mentioned so frequently indicates that the coach sees the ability to maintain physical and mental intensity throughout the 90 minutes as a decisive factor for competing in Europe.

What Barça needs to improve

- Strengthen defensive organization when the match gets tough.
- Maintain ball possession to reduce moments of suffering.
- Be smarter in the final phases of the match.
- Ensure that key players arrive fresh: Flick mentioned Pedri and Frenkie de Jong regarding the volume of minutes they have accumulated.

Message to the team and fans

Despite the defeat, Flick´s message was not defeatist: there was recognition of the opponent, internal responsibility, and a call for continued effort. He believes in his team and their capacity for improvement.