An earthquake rattles Barcelona as Pedri erupts in fury after the draw with Atletico. He has a heated argument with two of his teammates, blaming them for the disappointing result in the match!

Flick’s Concerns After Barça’s 4-4 Draw Against Atlético

FC Barcelona and Atlético Madrid played out an electrifying 4-4 draw in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal. While Barcelona’s attacking performance was impressive, manager Hansi Flick expressed frustration over defensive lapses that prevented his side from securing a win.

Defensive Worries for Flick

Despite showcasing offensive brilliance, Barcelona’s defensive fragility allowed Atlético to snatch a late equalizer.

Flick pinpointed two players whose performances at the back left much to be desired.

Balde’s Defensive Struggles

One of the players under scrutiny was Alejandro Balde, who once again showed defensive vulnerability.

His struggles in key matches have raised concerns about his ability to perform at the highest level.

While Balde possesses exceptional physical attributes and is a key asset in attack, he often leaves too much space behind, making it easy for opponents to exploit his flank.

In previous encounters against Atlético, he struggled against Antoine Griezmann and Nahuel Molina, and this time, Ángel Correa and Samuel Lino also caused him problems.

Flick recognizes Balde’s potential but remains unconvinced that he can be a reliable starting left-back without defensive improvement.

Koundé’s Costly Errors

Jules Koundé, usually a key figure in Barça’s defense, also had a difficult night.

He made several uncharacteristic mistakes, including a crucial error in possession that led to a goal for Atlético.

His misplaced pass in a dangerous area allowed Atlético to regain possession, and Griezmann made no mistake in punishing Barça.

Pedri’s Honest Assessment

Midfielder Pedri González, who delivered a standout performance, did not shy away from criticism.

While he did not mention specific names, his remarks emphasized the team’s need for better defensive organization.

“Maybe we need to defend a little further back,” he stated, seemingly hinting at both Balde and Koundé’s struggles.

What’s Next for Barcelona?

Flick will demand defensive improvements ahead of the second leg at the Metropolitano, where another high-intensity clash is expected.

With La Liga and the Copa del Rey still up for grabs, Barça must address their defensive issues to remain competitive.

Flick has limited options for immediate defensive changes, as Balde is the only left-back available, and while Andreas Christensen could replace Koundé, the coach still trusts him.

However, with the summer transfer window approaching, Barça may look for defensive reinforcements, particularly at left-back, where Flick wants a more reliable option.

Flick has made his stance clear: if Barcelona wants to win titles, they cannot afford to concede goals so easily. Now, it’s up to the players to correct their mistakes or risk facing significant changes in the squad.