Barcelona Coach Hansi Flick Seeks Girona Bounceback
Hansi Flick confident in Barcelona's quality, wants strong showing against Girona after Copa del Rey thrashing by Atletico.
“We have to take responsibility for the loss, not just blame the referee...”
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick is urging his team to bounce back from their 4-0 thrashing by Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg. Flick believes his team's attitude has improved since the defeat and is looking for a strong reaction against Girona in LaLiga on Monday.
Flick acknowledged that Barcelona's performance against Atletico was subpar, but emphasized that the team has the quality to turn things around. “When we play as a team, everyone 100%, we have huge quality. Defeats happen, but it's important how you react. This reaction I want to see tomorrow,” he said.
The German coach also praised Raphinha, saying he's been impressive in training and is fit to play against Girona. On the other hand, Marcus Rashford remains sidelined with a knee issue.
“Atletico were ready for this fight, it was a Champions League level game and the first 45 minutes were not right,” Flick told reporters Sunday.
❝ We lost Thursday’s match and it was a lesson, but we have to accept the defeat. We need to stay focused and have confidence. Tomorrow, I want to see a reaction. ❞
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 15, 2026
Hansi Flick pic.twitter.com/Rm9mEz6iwZ
“We did not have the attitude to be competitive in this situation, in every duel, one against 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 it tomorrow on the pitch.”
Real Madrid secured a 4-1 win over Real Sociedad on Saturday, propelling them two points ahead of Barcelona at the top of La Liga. Vinicius Jr. led the charge with a brace from the penalty spot, while Federico Valverde and Gonzalo GarcÃa also contributed to the scoring.
The victory marks a significant turnaround for Real Madrid, especially after their recent struggles. Coach Flick expressed confidence in his team's ability to bounce back, citing their quality and resilience.
“It could happen that you lose against Atletico, a top team, now (we must) go on. We have to focus on the season to the end, it's a long way, but everything is possible,” continued the German coach.
Hansi Flick is optimistic about Raphinha's return, saying the Brazilian winger is fit to face Girona. On the other hand, Marcus Rashford remains out with a knee issue, though it's improving. Flick called Raphinha's return “great news” for Barcelona.
“He's important. I always said this. We miss him. I think also, you can see it, in the training, everything, he increases the dynamic, the intensity,” said Flick.
“This is the good thing. Last season, for me he was the best player in the world.”
Flick had criticized the refereeing after Barcelona's Copa del Rey loss to Atletico Madrid, and the club even filed an official complaint about inconsistent arbitration. But now, he's toning down the anger, saying Barcelona needs to take responsibility for their 4-0 defeat.
“We have to take responsibility for the loss, not just blame the referee,” Flick said, acknowledging his team's poor performance.
The last training session before #GironaBarça ✅ pic.twitter.com/XyfoDbTAQp
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 15, 2026
“It was not (the referee's) fault we lost the game,” he added. “What we can change, we have to change, and we will do.”
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