Barcelona’s probabilities of securing a top-eight end within the UEFA Champions League suffered an enormous blow as they by the hands of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The Catalans have been utterly outplayed by the Blues in West London, one thing coach Hansi Flick agreed to in his post-match presser.
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The German additionally talked about Ronald Araujo’s purple card and the way Barcelona lacked depth towards a well-drilled Chelsea unit.
What Flick mentioned after the Chelsea loss
Flick began by acknowledging that Barcelona ought to have made higher use of their early probabilities, after which got here a interval of Chelsea dominance that by no means ended.
“We had an opportunity to attain the primary purpose, and after that, enjoying with one man down towards this Chelsea isn’t simple. We fought, and I additionally noticed some constructive issues.
“However we misplaced a lot of balls. And that’s all I can say. We misplaced simple balls beneath stress and in simple passes. So we have to analyse all of this,” he mentioned.
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The Barcelona coach admitted that following the Chelsea defeat, securing a spot within the final eight can be much more tough. “It should undoubtedly be a really tough process, however every little thing is feasible,” he mentioned.
It was clear that Chelsea have been the higher facet of the 2. However when requested about Barcelona’s depth, particularly in comparison with final season, Flick selected to hail the opposition.
“I believe it’s only one match, and that is Chelsea. We began effectively and had a giant probability from Ferran, however we might have scored the primary purpose.
Hansi Flick had a poor outing towards Chelsea. (Photograph by Alex Caparros/Getty Photos)
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“And in the long run, with one participant much less, issues go like this, however I additionally assume now we have the depth we want at this time. As for me, I can repeat it once more, I’m optimistic in regards to the subsequent match. We’ll see, however I’m actually optimistic,” he mentioned.
“It’s not simple to play towards Chelsea, towards an excellent crew, and also you’re down a person,” he added.
When requested whether or not or not Barcelona’s excessive line of defense was the issue, Flick mentioned, “No, that’s not it. I believe we defended effectively, however the issue was that we misplaced numerous balls.
“It wasn’t that they pressed us and we misplaced the ball, no. Fairly, we have been making simple passes after which shedding them, I’m constructive. I’m additionally constructive about what we provided within the second half and the way we defended as a crew.”
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Flick was additionally requested if there’s a clear disparity between the depth of La Liga and Champions League matches.
“I don’t know precisely the variety of minutes, however I believe we performed numerous minutes whereas lacking a participant, and Chelsea is an excellent crew with the ball. So now we have to simply accept this loss, but in addition assume positively,” he answered.
An enormous turning level of the match got here simply earlier than half-time when Ronald Araujo’s rash sort out led to his second yellow card.
“With the purple card, every little thing modified. So it wasn’t simple to face this nice crew and are available again within the match whereas we have been down a participant. For me, now we have to simply accept this defeat, however I’m additionally wanting with nice optimism towards the upcoming matches,” he mentioned.
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The German was requested what he would do to assist Araujo keep away from selecting up purple playing cards in essential matches.
“As for me, I didn’t see what occurred with the primary card. So I’ve to speak to him, and I even have to look at the match movies once more and analyse them.
“The second card occurs generally, however maybe he might have averted intervening like that, or perhaps guided him extra on what he can do. However in the long run, this occurs in soccer. It wasn’t the suitable time, nor the suitable match, however that’s the way it went,” he answered.
Hansi Flick wasn’t happy with Ronald Araujo after his purple card. (Photograph by Justin Setterfield/Getty Photos)
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Flick went on to speak about what Barcelona have learnt from this match, the place the opposition was clearly the higher crew.
“To play extra aggressively, particularly in 1v1 conditions, if you see Chelsea, they at all times preserve possession of the ball. They performed extra bodily and have been extra dynamic in 1v1 matchups.
“That’s additionally what I would like from my crew. Generally we predict we will management every little thing with the ball, however right here within the Champions League, and particularly right here towards a membership that’s second within the Premier League, that’s not the case,” he mentioned.
When requested if we are going to see a special Barcelona in a number of months, Flick alluded to his earlier promise.
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“That is what I promised you. I see how we practice, I see the standard, and I additionally see the depth. The state of affairs is totally totally different from what it was 6 weeks in the past. And the gamers are returning, and the standard in coaching is enhancing lots, and that is what I see.
“And I’ve an excellent feeling about it and am optimistic in regards to the future,” he mentioned.
Lastly, the German tactician talked about Barcelona’s street forward, particularly within the UEFA Champions League.
“I believe I actually noticed some constructive issues from my crew, and I’m additionally wanting ahead with optimism to the upcoming matches, and likewise the Champions League.
“We now have three matches, three matches, 9 factors to win, and I’m actually taking a look at it positively and pondering positively about it. We will obtain this,” he concluded.