Girona Shocks Barcelona with Late Winner

In a surprising turn of events, Girona defeated Barcelona 2-1, with Fran Beltran netting the decisive goal in the 86th minute. The match also saw Lamine Yamal fail to convert a penalty for the away side.

Coach’s Reaction

Flick expressed his concerns post-match, citing issues with defensive organization. “We are struggling at the moment, particularly with our transitions on defense. Both teams had their opportunities,” he stated.

Key Takeaways

• Defensive Issues: Flick highlighted that the team’s positioning, especially in midfield, was inadequate, leaving them too exposed.
• Call for Improvement: He urged his squad to regain composure, acknowledging numerous mistakes made during the game. “We have a long week ahead; I’ll allow the players two days off to gather themselves and enhance our performance. There’s still a lot to tackle; we’re currently in second place.”

A controversial moment arose when Girona’s late goal was scored. Barcelona’s players argued that Jules Kounde had been fouled by Claudio Echeverri in the lead-up to the goal.

On the Controversy

Flick remarked, “What do you think? A foul, right? No further comments needed.” He continued, “If we had played well, I could critique the decision, but I don’t want to use it as a rationale. We must concentrate on our development and showcase our true potential.”

He also mentioned the anticipated return of some key players, including Pedri and Rashford, stating, “We need to return to our peak form.”