Barcelona players ask Flick to change tactics after Atletico Madrid defeat

Barcelona players reportedly offered Hansi Flick honest criticism on his tactics, urging him to play a more pragmatic brand of football against certain teams, as well as adjust the setup when certain players are absent. 

The Blaugrana were ripped apart in the Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg against Atletico Madrid. Rojiblancos had a field day exploiting their high line, as they put four goals past Hansi Flick's side. 

The defensive frailty has been a marker of Flick's Barcelona, especially this season in Inigo Martinez's absence. That weakness in Flick's setup is especially laid bare against top clubs with quality attackers to exploit the space behind. 

They have suffered big defeats to Chelsea, Sevilla and Atletico Madrid and have luckily avoided conceding a truckload in many other games. 

After the game, Flick was critical of his players. He questioned their intensity in the post-match interview but expressed confidence in their ability to come back in the game and qualify. 

"We didn't play very good in the first half as a team. We had too much distance between everyone. We didn't press how we wanted,” he said. 

“In the first 45 minutes or more, we got a lesson. Sometimes it's good in the right moment. Maybe today was the right moment. I am still proud of my team, maybe not today in the first 45 minutes, but across the whole season. 

“When you see how many injuries we have all season, how we adapt...Today was a heavy loss, but I am proud of my team. We will come back. We need to start from the beginning [of games]. When you see Atlético players, they had more will, more hunger. And this is what I want from the first minute. 

“We didn't show that in the first half. We have the second leg. We will fight for that. If we are able to win each half 2-0, this is our goal. We need our fans in Camp Nou, and we will see what happens.”

He was reportedly even more critical in the dressing room, questioning his players’ intensity and desire. However, according to The Athletic, the Barcelona squad offered feedback, urging more pragmatism and tactical tweaks against certain opposition.

The absence of Pedri and Raphinha were also reportedly referenced, with the players telling Flick to consider making tweaks when certain players are unavailable.