Barcelona’s 2-2 draw with Celta Vigo left a strong impact in the locker room, with coach Hansi Flick visibly frustrated by the performance and behavior of several players. The German coach expressed anger over the mistakes made and the lack of commitment, which ultimately hurt the team at the Balaídos stadium.
According to El Nacional, Gerard Martín, who played left-back due to Alejandro Balde’s injury, was the first player to face Flick’s harsh criticism. Martín struggled defensively, leaving gaps on the left side that allowed Celta’s wingers to exploit. Flick had already questioned Martín’s contributions before the match, and his poor performance has effectively relegated him to the bench for the future, with limited or no chances to play.
Frenkie de Jong’s situation was more sensitive. The Dutch midfielder, who came on as a substitute with Barcelona leading 2-0, failed to make a positive impact. Sources close to the team indicate that Flick was disappointed by de Jong’s lack of effort. Their relationship has soured in recent weeks due to the midfielder’s underperformance, and Flick now believes de Jong isn’t fully committed to the project. As a result, de Jong will lose his starting position in future matches and must work hard to earn back the coach’s trust.
Flick’s stance is clear: performance and dedication come before reputation. While players like Gavi and Marc Casado consistently give their all, others are falling short of expectations. Flick will not tolerate complacency, and with the winter transfer window approaching, sporting director Deco is expected to explore strengthening areas where the coach feels uncertain, particularly left-back.
