Barcelona president Joan Laporta was livid following the team’s 1-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid in La Liga yesterday.
As reported by the Spanish newspaper Sport, Barcelona’s recent run of results is concerning, as the team closed out the year with its fifth defeat of the season in La Liga.
This matches the total number of defeats they endured throughout the entire previous season, and they have also lost their position at the top of the table.
The newspaper highlighted that Laporta’s frustration following the Atletico Madrid defeat stemmed more from the result itself than the team’s performance.
It further stated that confidence in Hansi Flick remains “absolute,” with belief that the current poor results are temporary, as the team’s overall level is still considered high.
Barcelona’s management is maintaining a calm atmosphere, reassuring the team that things will improve in January when the competition for titles intensifies.
The report continued: “The appointment of Flick was a decisive move by Laporta after the dismissal of Xavi Hernandez, following a dramatic end to last season. The president believed a change in coaching leadership was necessary, and Flick was chosen to enhance the team’s physical and tactical performance.”
It added, “The decision proved to be right, as Barcelona made an impressive start, topping La Liga and advancing smoothly in the Champions League, securing crucial victories. However, by November, the team’s form dipped with unexpected results, largely due to the absence of Lamine Yamal, a crucial player for the team.”
“Barcelona’s management concludes that Flick’s work has been positive, improving both collective and individual player performances, making the team more competitive. However, there is a belief that the team lacks a decisive attacking player capable of scoring in tight matches, and that this missing piece won’t be filled this season.”
In conclusion, the article stated: “The coming weeks will determine the fate of the project, but for now, Flick enjoys unwavering confidence, and unless there is a total collapse in January, no changes are expected at Barcelona.”
