Barcelona suffered an unexpected defeat to Las Palmas on Saturday evening at the Olympic Stadium of Luis Companys in the 15th round of the Spanish League. As a result, their position at the top of the league is now at risk, with Real Madrid only 4 points behind and having played two fewer matches. Barcelona now has 34 points.
The loss has sparked significant frustration within the club, particularly with president Joan Laporta, who has directed his anger at coach Hansi Flick. According to Catalan newspaper Sport, Laporta holds Flick solely responsible for Barcelona’s recent setbacks in La Liga. Laporta is reportedly demanding changes, including dropping goalkeeper Inaki Peña and midfielder Frenkie de Jong from the starting lineup. Laporta has decided not to renew De Jong’s contract and wants him to leave the club for free.
After the match, Laporta confronted Flick in the locker room, criticizing him for not substituting striker Robert Lewandowski, who had a poor performance. Laporta also expressed dissatisfaction with Peña’s performance and requested that Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny be given a chance to start in future matches.
Flick attempted to defend himself by pointing out the absence of influential midfielder Marc Casado, which forced Gavi to cover an unfamiliar role. However, Laporta dismissed this reasoning and insisted that the coach is fully accountable for the defeat.
Furthermore, Flick has criticized the club’s management for not making stronger signings, arguing that without reinforcements, Barcelona cannot compete for titles.
He has called for the sale of players like De Jong, Fort, and Gerard Martin, while urging the club to sign quality right and left-backs and a world-class winger. Flick also questioned the squad’s chances of success with players like Ferran Torres and Joel Koundé, who is playing out of position.
