By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
Hansi Flick launched a furious half-time dressing-room rant at his FC Barcelona players, telling them they “deserved to be losing by more”, reportedly even 7–0 down, after their disastrous first-half collapse against Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final.
Barcelona were already trailing 4–0 at the break at the Metropolitano, prompting Flick to explode in anger and question his team’s intensity and commitment during one of their worst performances under his leadership.
According to reports from Spanish media cited by Football España and Sport, Flick raised his voice and told the squad they “deserve to be losing by more,” expressing disbelief at their lack of pressing, spirit and desire in the opening 45 minutes.
The German coach was particularly unhappy with his midfielders and attackers, accusing them of failing to compete and allowing Atlético to dominate the game. His frustration was compounded by the team conceding four goals in the first half — Barcelona’s worst such showing in decades.
Despite his explosive dressing-room reaction, Flick struck a calmer tone publicly, admitting his side “didn’t play as a team” and were taught a “big lesson” in the first half, while insisting they must respond in the return leg.
The defeat leaves Barcelona facing a daunting task to overturn the heavy deficit, with Flick now demanding a drastic improvement in intensity, teamwork and mentality if the Spanish giants are to keep their Copa del Rey hopes alive.
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