Flick Promises Revitalized Barcelona Following Chelsea Defeat

Coach Hansi Flick has assured supporters that a “different Barcelona side” will be seen in the coming weeks following a challenging 3-0 defeat to Chelsea in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge.

A first-half own goal by Jules Koundé provided Chelsea with an early advantage, followed by second-half goals from Estêvão and Liam Delap after Barça defender Ronald Araújo received a red card shortly before halftime.

This loss places the Spanish champions in 15th position in the standings, with only seven points from five matches, raising concerns about their chances of securing a top-eight finish and a direct path to the round of 16.

“We will see a different Barcelona in the next games; this is what I can promise,” Flick stated during the post-match press conference, aiming to maintain a positive outlook despite the defeat. “This is also what I said before the game. I see how we train, the quality, and the intensity. It’s completely different compared to six weeks ago.

“Players are returning, enhancing the quality of our training. I have a good feeling about this and am optimistic. You can see I am pleased that Raphinha returned in the second half today, Marcus [Rashford] is back to his level after illness, and Pedri will rejoin us soon. We need to work hard and maintain a positive mindset.”

Ferran Torres squandered a significant opportunity to give Barça an early lead against Chelsea before the Premier League side took control of the match.

Koundé’s own goal resulted from a well-executed play involving Marc Cucurella and Pedro Neto, followed by Araújo’s dismissal for a second yellow card for a late challenge on Cucurella in the 43rd minute.

A remarkable individual goal from Estêvão doubled Chelsea’s lead in the 55th minute, and substitute Delap sealed the scoreline, prompting Flick to express his disappointment over his team’s lack of aggression.

“We need to be more aggressive, particularly in one-on-one situations,” the German coach remarked. “When you observe Chelsea, they consistently exhibit that aggression, playing with more physicality and dynamism in those critical moments. This is what I expect from my team.

“At times, we think we can control the game, even with the ball, but in the Champions League—especially against a club like Chelsea, currently second in the Premier League—that approach is insufficient. We must fight harder and play with greater aggression.

“We had a strong start to the match, creating a significant opportunity to score first, but the red card fundamentally altered the game. It’s challenging to recover against such a formidable team with only ten players. We must accept this defeat, but I remain optimistic for the upcoming matches.”

Barça defender Eric García described the evening as a “really bad night.”

“We had a few good chances, but conceding from a set piece was detrimental, and in the second half, we aimed to remain competitive and capitalize on counter-attacks, but the second goal was a turning point,” he stated to reporters.

“Chelsea effectively navigated through our pressure, while we failed to adjust adequately. We attempted to build from the back using our full-backs, but it proved impossible as they consistently found the open man. We spent the entire match chasing the ball.

“We must be more competitive in these types of matches. Winning duels and securing second balls is crucial—if we are not strong in these areas, it’s nearly impossible to win.”

Barcelona will conclude their Champions League group stage with matches against Eintracht Frankfurt, Slavia Prague, and Copenhagen. However, their immediate focus shifts back to La Liga, where they will face Alavés and Atlético Madrid in consecutive home games at Spotify Camp Nou.