Hansi Flick pulled no punches in his post-match press conference, lambasting the officiating following a contentious incident involving Juan Musso and Marc Pubill, alongside Pau Cubarsi’s dismissal. The German head coach took a sarcastic swipe at the VAR, suggesting the official was “too concentrated” on the opposition.
FC Barcelona supporters have been left fuming in the wake of the contentious incident between Musso and Pubill. A visibly incensed Hansi Flick made no secret of his frustration with the Rojiblanco defender, who handled the ball after a goal kick from the Argentine goalkeeper had been played directly to him.
“The VAR was too focused on Atletico. He was German, thank you very much. I don’t understand what happened there. The goalkeeper restarted play, the defender handled the ball, and yet play continued. It is a stonewall second yellow card and a penalty. Let them try to explain it, because I cannot believe it. It is unjust, but that is football; we have to accept it,” the manager fumed.
“I believe we gave our absolute best, but luck simply wasn’t on our side. Now, our entire focus shifts to the next meeting with Atletico. We remain optimistic and we will fight,” the ‘Cule’ boss added.
Away from the officiating, Flick explained the withdrawal of Pedri, who was substituted at the interval. “He felt a minor discomfort. It is nothing serious, but as we need him at 100 per cent, we chose to rest him and introduce Gavi. He performed fantastically, as did Olmo,” he noted.
Turning his attention to Lamine, the team’s standout performer, the coach called for greater protection from the officials: “Lamine was spectacular; he is a joy to watch. I feel that fouls aren’t always being given—it’s a clip here, a nudge there… When you are dribbling and taking hits like that, advantage shouldn’t always be played. I would prefer not to comment further on the referee; it will be better for everyone,” he admitted.
“He beat four or five players and he is only 18 years old. We must support him; he is going to be one of the greatest names in the history of Spanish football. It is vital that referees protect him. It isn’t illegal, but it is right on the limit. These are the players the public pay to see. They are the reason people go to the stadium: Mbappe, Vinicius, Lamine, Pedri… At times, the aggression is excessive. We want a fluid game, but there are moments where intervention is necessary,” he concluded.