Following a 3-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund, despite securing a place in the Champions League semi-finals, Hansi Flick slams two underperforming Barcelona players and warns they could be dropped from the starting lineup!

Barcelona suffered a 3-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals, held in Germany. Despite the defeat, the Catalan side secured a spot in the semi-finals thanks to their dominant 4-0 victory in the first leg at Montjuïc.

Coached by German tactician Hansi Flick, Barcelona’s performance was subpar and marked their first loss in 2025 across all competitions. However, the main goal—progressing to the next stage—was still accomplished.

According to Spanish outlet El Nacional, Hansi Flick was deeply disappointed by his team’s display in the second leg. Despite the aggregate win, the coach was particularly critical of two defenders: Ronald Araújo and Jules Koundé. Araújo was blamed for his lack of stability at the back, especially his role in Dortmund’s third goal.

Flick reportedly no longer sees the Uruguayan as a good fit for his tactical approach and is considering letting him go in the summer transfer window. As for Koundé, his inability to cope on the right flank has convinced Flick that Barcelona must urgently recruit a high-quality right-back before the next season.

Flick’s frustrations extended to young defender Gerard Martin, whose shaky display nearly cost the team their qualification. The coach even remarked that Martin was more dangerous to Barcelona’s defense than Dortmund’s attackers, allegedly saying to his assistant: “He was Borussia Dortmund’s 12th player.”

Additionally, Flick expressed disappointment with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. Once a bright spot in the season, Yamal’s recent dip in form and visible frustration after being substituted did not sit well with the manager. Flick warned that such behavior and inconsistency during the crucial stage of the season could seriously harm the team’s ambitions.

In an unexpected move, club president Joan Laporta intervened after the match. He addressed Flick directly in the dressing room, criticizing him for not substituting veteran striker Robert Lewandowski earlier. Laporta felt Lewandowski’s lack of pressing allowed Dortmund to build comfortably from the back.

He accused Flick of favoring the striker to help him boost his Champions League goal tally, which the president saw as a distraction. Laporta urged Flick to prioritize the team’s collective goals over individual accolades as the season reaches its decisive moments.