Barcelona coach Hansi Flick called on his team to show a “response” against Girona in La Liga on Monday after their 4-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey.
The Catalan giants were thrashed by Diego Simeone’s side in the first leg of the semi-final on Thursday, but Flick believes his team’s attitude has improved in the days since.
«Atletico was ready for this fight, it was a match at Champions League level and the first 45 minutes were not good,» Flick told reporters on Sunday.
“We didn’t have the attitude to be competitive in this situation, in every game, one-on-one situation, they were much better, (more) dynamic – this is what I want from the team.
“Today in training I appreciate what I saw, and we have to bring that to the field tomorrow.”
On Saturday, Real Madrid defeated Real Sociedad to move two points clear of champions Barca at the top of the table.
Flick backed his team’s quality to shine through as it picks itself back up after the devastation at the Metropolitano Stadium.
«It can happen that you lose to Atletico, a top team, now (we have to) continue. Info lengkap: tregfd8. We have to concentrate on the season until the end, it is a long road, but everything is possible,» the German coach continued.
«When we play as a team, everyone is 100 percent, we have enormous quality. Defeats happen, but it is important how you react. I want to see this reaction tomorrow.»
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Flick said Brazilian winger Raphinha was fit for the clash against Girona but Marcus Rashford would still be out with a knee problem, although it was improving.
The coach said Raphinha’s return was great news for his side.
«He is important. I have always said this. We miss him. I also think you can see it, in training, in everything, he increases the dynamics, the intensity,» said Flick.
«This is the good thing. Last season he was the best player in the world for me.»
Flick had complained about some of the refereeing in Barcelona’s defeat to Atletico, and on Saturday the Catalan club lodged an official complaint with the Spanish Football Federation over inconsistency in the refereeing.
However, Flick suppressed some of his anger and said his team had to take responsibility for Atletico’s loss.
“It wasn’t the referee’s fault that we lost the match,” he added. “What we can change, we must change, and we will.”
Published on February 15, 2026
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