Barcelona manager Hansi Flick appeared unusually tense following his team’s narrow 0-1 loss to Real Sociedad, a match that left many pondering what went wrong.

Flick’s frustration was evident as he reflected on a disallowed goal that could have potentially led to a Barcelona victory.

The manager admitted feeling the decision was disappointing but refrained from placing all blame on the referee, noting that such situations are part of the game.

“I told the referee that it was a bad decision, but it’s not his fault and I know that,” said the manager.

However, he couldn’t help but wonder how differently the match might have unfolded had the goal been allowed.

“I wasn’t very angry. Just a little. If it had been valid, it would have been a different game for us.”

Discussing the performance

When discussing the overall performance, Flick took responsibility for the defeat, acknowledging that his team could have delivered a much better performance.

He highlighted that Barcelona started strong, controlling the game well during the first 15 minutes, but as the game progressed, they lost their rhythm.

“I think the responsibility for the defeat is ours, we could have played much better. We were good in the first 15 minutes,” he noted.

He expressed disappointment that despite finishing the match united as a team, they lacked the strength to secure a victory.

“It is a defeat, but the games so far have been fantastic. I value what the team has done. We finished the game together. But we couldn’t win, we weren’t strong enough.”

Lewandowski’s disallowed goal

Flick also commented on Lewandowski’s offside call, which he accepted without making excuses. According to Flick, it simply wasn’t Barcelona’s day.

“It was certainly not our day. We have to accept this result, I think they played with determination.”

He admitted that Barcelona failed to generate enough scoring opportunities, especially in the final third, where several poor decisions were made.

Although the team displayed skill in possession early on, they struggled to maintain their momentum, eventually conceding the match to Sociedad.

“It is clear what we saw and there are no excuses, we did not create enough chances. We started very well with the ball. I was happy, but then we began to suffer and their goal came. In the final third, we made bad decisions,” he explained.

What happened to Lamine Yamal?

Looking ahead, Flick shared his thoughts on Lamine Yamal, who was absent from the game due to injury.

The coach is hopeful that Yamal will be granted a break during the upcoming international period, allowing him to focus on recovery rather than undergoing assessments by Spain’s national team doctors.

Flick expressed trust in the federation’s medical team, believing they would make the best decision for the young player.

“The doctors will speak with the Federation. He could not play and we have to accept it, I think the Federation will make the right decision. 

“I have also been in this situation and as a coach, it is good to be surrounded by experts who are the ones who have to decide.”

He also reassured fans that updates on Yamal’s condition would be shared as soon as more information becomes available, though he couldn’t provide a clear timeline for his return.

“I’m not sure [when he will be back]. I hope we can find out more about his condition today. But we don’t have anything clear. As soon as we know, we will let you know,” he concluded.