Flick: We Ran Out of Answers Against Sevilla, Barca's Crisis Is More Than Tactics
5 October 2025
What happened in Seville
Barcelona were blown away 4-1 by Sevilla in La Liga during Round 8, a result that jolted the Catalans and raised questions about their start to the campaign.
The first half was particularly troubling as Sevilla pressed with aggression while Barcelona struggled to respond. After the final whistle, coach Hans Flick acknowledged the shortcomings and underscored the need to find practical solutions quickly.
Flick's assessment and Barca's path forward
"The first half was not good. They were very aggressive, and we couldn't find the right answers," Flick said. "We must learn from this and move forward."
He added that the second half showed improvement and a stronger reaction, but he refused to dwell on goals or excuses, stressing that the team must fight not to repeat such displays and compete for every trophy.
Flick defended the tactical setup, insisting the issue lay not with the system but with individual errors in the opening period. He highlighted the upcoming international break as a chance to regroup, hoping rested players will help restore balance.
Pedri and Frenkie de Jong were cited as key midfield figures, while Flick urged the squad to press more effectively and control possession in the broader spaces. After the match, Pau Cubarci offered a candid assessment, saying the game began "sleepily" and that Barcelona needed to start with greater intensity and focus.
"The pitch was tough, but we started the match without real energy," Cubarci noted. "In the second half we were better, but what we produced isn't worthy of Barcelona." He stressed the need to press from the front and called for this game to serve as a turning point in the season, while declining to dwell on refereeing controversies.
The setback comes ahead of a high-profile test against Paris Saint-Germain, and Flick underscored the value of the break for both physical and mental balance. "The international period can help us reset," he said, "and when players return, we will strive to regain our level."
In terms of the atmosphere at the Ramon Sánchez Pizjuán, Flick downplayed outside pressure, insisting his squad is accustomed to playing under pressure and that the analysis must focus on the first half and the need for better performance in the future.
He also spoke about the midfield dynamics, noting the collective effort required to rebuild play and ensure everyone contributes to ball progression, particularly when trying to unlock space for Pedri and De Jong.
Kubarci: We don’t want to talk about refereeing
Meanwhile, Cubarci’s critical remarks reflected a broader call for accountability. He stated, "We must push from the front and start higher, because today’s performance isn’t acceptable for Barcelona." He also said the season’s improvement hinges on steady progress and that the team should focus on themselves rather than external factors.
Punchline 1: Barcelona’s defense is so porous that even the pigeons around the stadium are filing for eviction.
Punchline 2: If football were a smartphone game, Barca would still be buffering at the start of the level while PSG is already on the boss fight.
