Barcelona players tell Hansi Flick of their tactical concerns after Copa del Rey defeat to Atletico

"According to a new report from The Athletic, the players decided to share their "concerns over the team's tactics" in the game to Flick afterwards. The report adds that the players felt that following their usual approach against Atletico "was not the best idea, as conditions were not right for that in their eyes." Barcelona's players also decided to speak to Flick about this as this is not the first time they have struggled in a similar way in games so far this season."

"Flick was told by his players "just how hard it is to successfully apply [his] desired style without Pedri and Raphinha" - with both players missing the game through injury. The players don't want Flick to change tactics altogether but are said to have "asked for more pragmatism around key games and against certain opponents, as well as greater adaptation to the players available.""

"Flick spoke afterwards about the need to learn from the game, telling reporters: "In the first 45 minutes or more, we got a lesson. Sometimes it's good in the right moment. Maybe today was the right moment." We'll now have to wait and see if Flick does implement changes going forward in a bid to improve in the wake of Thursday night's thrashing by Diego Simeone's side."

Barcelona players held tactical talks with manager Hansi Flick after the Copa del Rey defeat to Atletico. Players voiced concerns that their usual approach was unsuitable given the match conditions and recent struggles. They highlighted how the absence of Pedri and Raphinha made it hard to implement Flick's desired style. Players requested more pragmatism in key matches and greater tactical adaptation to the available squad rather than wholesale changes. Flick acknowledged the lesson from the first half and emphasized learning from the result. Uncertainty remains over whether Flick will adjust tactics going forward.

Read at Barca Blaugranes