Barcelona’s Hansi Flick commends referee dialogue ‘but it remains confidential’
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick stated that his discussion with the referee following Thursday’s 4-0 loss to Atlético Madrid will remain confidential, but he commended the dialogue with Juan Martínez Munuera.
Barça were overwhelmed by Atlético in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal, although they expressed frustration after a goal by Pau Cubarsí was ruled out for offside early in the second half.
Flick remarked after the match that the situation was a “mess” and criticized the quality of communication with referees in Spain, which led Barça to file a formal complaint with the Spanish Football Federation [RFEF] and the Refereeing Committee [CTA] on Saturday.
Ahead of Monday’s LaLiga match against Girona, Flick confirmed he visited Martínez Munuera’s locker room after his remarks but softened his critique of the officials.
“I spoke with the referee after the match,” he stated. “I wanted to understand the reasoning behind the offside call. I believe it was a constructive conversation, but it remains confidential.
“I went to his dressing room, and we talked in a composed environment. After my press conference, I felt it was necessary to go there. I appreciate that he welcomed me.
“It was not his fault that we lost the match. What we can influence, we must address, and we will. The key aspect is what we can improve: our quality, mentality, and attitude… we need to perform better.”
With the second leg against Atlético not scheduled until March 3, Barça now refocus on the league, where they fell to second place on Saturday after Real Madrid defeated Real Sociedad 4-1.
A victory over Catalan rivals Girona would see them reclaim the top position, with Flick expressing his desire to see a response from his players following Thursday’s disappointing performance at the Metropolitano.
“We lacked the competitiveness against Atlético,” he added. “In every duel and one-on-one situation, they were significantly superior; more dynamic.
“This is what I expect from the team. Losses occur, but how you respond is crucial. This is the reaction I want to witness tomorrow.”
Marcus Rashford out, Raphinha to return
Barça will again be without Marcus Rashford, who remains out due to a minor knee issue, while Pedri, Gavi, and Andreas Christensen continue to be unavailable due to injuries.
However, Raphinha will make his return, with Flick emphasizing the significance of having the Brazilian back, considering the team’s performance with and without him this season.
With Raphinha in the lineup, Barça have achieved 20 victories, one draw, and only one loss—away at Chelsea when he was only able to play 25 minutes off the bench with the match already decided—while they have experienced five defeats in the 15 matches he has missed.
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“[Rashford] is out for tomorrow,” Flick confirmed. “He is improving, but it’s a gradual process. Raphinha is available to play.
“I believe [we are a different team with him]. He is vital. I have always maintained this. We miss him. You can also observe it in training; he elevates the dynamic and intensity.
“This is the positive aspect. Last season, in my opinion, he was the best player in the world.”
