Red card “changed everything,” Flick admits
Keeping perspective after the defeat
Speaking after the loss in London, Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick said the team must take the setback in stride and stay focused on the three group matches that remain.
The German coach addressed reporters in a calm, measured tone, noting that frustration was understandable but should not overshadow the broader situation. Barcelona entered the match level on points with their main rivals in the group, and the defeat, while damaging, does not determine their fate.
Flick acknowledged the disappointment of the scoreline but urged his players and supporters to view the campaign as a longer process rather than a single defining night.
He pointed out that the team had shown signs of improvement in recent domestic fixtures and that the squad still has room to respond constructively.
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Accepting responsibility
According to comments made at the post-match press conference, Flick reiterated that he was not searching for excuses for the 3,0 loss at Stamford Bridge.
He repeated one of his key messages from the night, telling reporters , "we have to accept the defeat and stay positive about what comes next". As he explained, the result does not change the club’s intention to push for all remaining points in the group. Flick added: "I saw positive things and I believe we can still take the nine points left to play for".
The coach referenced an important early moment when Ferran Torres found himself in a strong scoring position during the fifth minute. Flick said the team started well and had a very big opportunity to score the first goal, a chance that might have shifted the tempo and confidence of the group.
A decisive turning point
Flick was clear that the dismissal moments later forced Barça to abandon the match plan they had prepared. As he put it: "[...] then the red card changed the match, and it is not easy to recover against a team like Chelsea when you are a man down".
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The sending off left Barcelona competing with ten men for the majority of the evening, which affected their ability to press and sustain possession against a physically strong Chelsea side.
The coach noted that the reduced numbers meant Barça had to spend long stretches defending deeper than intended, limiting opportunities to build rhythm or apply pressure in midfield.
Areas that need improvement
Even with the disadvantage, Flick did not shy away from pointing out what he felt the team could have handled better. He said the side lost some easy balls and highlighted the need to increase their overall tempo, aggression and decision-making.
The coach also referenced recent performances in La Liga, where Barcelona had been working to correct issues related to transitions and ball recovery.
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He maintained that these concerns remain part of the evolution he expects over the next several weeks.
The remaining fixtures
Throughout his remarks, Flick emphasized that any judgement of the performance must acknowledge how long the team played with ten men.
He reminded reporters that three matches remain in the group stage, offering enough time to stabilize results and regain momentum.
The squad will return to training before the weekend with a focus on restoring confidence and preparing for the next European opponent, who currently sits just above Barcelona in the table.
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Flick closed his comments by urging resilience. His message was straightforward, accept the setback, learn from it, and approach the remaining fixtures with renewed purpose and clarity.
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