Barcelona Fall to PSG in Late Defeat as Hansi Flick Criticizes Lack of Sharpness
Barcelona suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at home to Paris Saint-Germain, conceding a last-minute winner in a Champions League clash at the Estadio Olímpico Lluís Companys. Despite taking the lead, the Catalans struggled to match PSG’s intensity, with the French side dominating much of the second half.
After the game, coach Hansi Flick voiced frustration, suggesting the issues went beyond the scoreline. The German pointed to shortcomings in individual performances, highlighting areas that cost Barça the match.
Szczęsny and Olmo Under Fire
Stand-in goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny, brought in to cover for the injured Juan Garcia, was among those singled out. While not directly at fault for either goal, his hesitant reactions at key moments drew Flick’s criticism, with many believing the outcome could have been different had he been more decisive.
Midfielder Dani Olmo also came under scrutiny. After a bright start, his influence waned as the game wore on. His missed chance to put Barcelona ahead at 1-1 proved costly, disrupting the team’s rhythm and giving PSG momentum.
Flick Admits PSG’s Strength but Questions Barça’s Edge
In his post-match comments, Flick acknowledged PSG’s quality, calling them perhaps the best side in Europe right now, even without several key players. Still, he lamented Barcelona’s inability to maintain focus and intensity, stressing that the squad lacked the sharpness required to win at this level.
A Growing Concern for Barcelona
The defeat leaves major doubts over Barcelona’s Champions League campaign and piles pressure on Flick to steady the team quickly. With tougher fixtures ahead, the German coach now faces the urgent task of restoring balance and rediscovering the cutting edge that was missing against PSG.
