Barcelona endured a stunning defeat against Las Palmas on Saturday evening in the fifteenth round of La Liga at the Olympic Stadium of Luis Companys. This unexpected loss has placed their position at the top of the league table in jeopardy, with a mere four-point gap separating them from Real Madrid, who have played two fewer matches.
Following the game, Barcelona’s total points remain at 34, further fueling concerns about their dwindling dominance.
The Catalan newspaper Sport reported that the defeat has cast a shadow over the team and sparked outrage from club president Joan Laporta. His frustration is directed primarily at German coach Hansi Flick, whom he holds responsible for the team’s recent stumbles.
Laporta reportedly warned Flick to correct the situation immediately, citing that similar patience with previous coach Xavi will not be extended.
In the aftermath, Laporta allegedly expressed dissatisfaction with goalkeeper Iñaki Peña and midfielder Frenkie de Jong, demanding their removal from the starting lineup. Laporta has also decided against renewing De Jong’s contract, signaling an intent to let the Dutch player leave on a free transfer.
Flick attempted to justify the team’s poor performance by pointing out the absence of Marc Casado, whose midfield presence was sorely missed, leaving Gavi unable to fill the void effectively. Despite this, Laporta dismissed Flick’s explanations, holding him accountable for the disappointing result.
Laporta’s criticisms extended to Flick’s reluctance to substitute Polish striker Robert Lewandowski during the match, despite his underwhelming performance.
Additionally, Laporta reportedly urged Flick to replace Peña with Polish international goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, emphasizing the need for more reliable options between the posts.
Flick, however, countered by blaming the club’s management for failing to bolster the squad with high-quality signings. He argued that the current roster is not equipped to compete for titles, particularly with players like Ferran Torres and Jules Koundé, who is being utilized out of position.
Flick also criticized Gavi’s subpar performance against Las Palmas and called for the acquisition of world-class full-backs and wingers to strengthen the team.
Furthermore, he suggested selling De Jong and other underperforming players to finance strategic transfers.
This clash between Laporta and Flick highlights the growing tension within Barcelona as the team struggles to maintain its dominance in La Liga amidst mounting challenges.
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