Flick's team achieved one of the most important victories of the season against Benfica in Lisbon with an epic comeback. One of the most surreal matches in recent years allows the blaugrana to secure direct qualification to the Champions League round of 16. Raphinha emerged as one of the protagonists of the match, taking the MVP and being one of the heroes of the Culer comeback.
An Inconsistent Barça.
The match left clear opinions around the blaugrana team, especially regarding their ability to reverse a difficult situation. With a 4-2 deficit, in European competition and away from home, anyone could think of the ghosts of the past that have haunted them for years. But with Flick, things have changed, and the mentality of this team is starting to be that of a big team, with some caveats though...
While it is a result that will mark a before and after, it is also a symptom that the team is not being entirely consistent within the matches. A mix of good and bad performances has been the trend throughout the season. In the league, they started well, but as other competitions appeared, the blaugrana team stopped performing as expected, to the point where things are going better in the Champions League.
A problem that Flick seems to have already identified and has expressed in a press conference.
Meanwhile, the German coach seems to be aware that certain lapses in concentration could be a key point in winning or not winning crucial matches in different competitions. Habitual disconnections and lack of consistency within the 90 minutes are clear symptoms that something is wrong. Something that could leave Barça without the important titles of the season.
Hansi Flick's Game.
The blaugrana players have adopted Flick's idea perfectly, understanding everything in record time, but in football, not everything is certain, and gaps are already appearing.
A risky playing system both in defense and attack that requires a level of attention, intensity, and constant concentration only achievable by the best players. Something that is practically impossible to achieve in such a young team with so much to learn.
But, despite the youth of the team, the players have managed to adapt to the German coach's game sooner than expected. This demonstrates the great generation of players from La Masia who are helping Barça to emerge from the crisis.
Young players with immense talent, but who also make mistakes, and this is something the club's technical staff must work on.
If all the players in the team manage to be at 100% for the remainder of the season, Flick's team could aspire to everything by playing brilliantly. Otherwise, the titles will be at risk sooner rather than later.