Former Barcelona midfielder Gerard Lopez has sharply criticised Hansi Flick’s defensive tactics after Barca suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Sevilla. Lopez described the German manager’s high-line approach as “suicidal” and urged a rethink, claiming opposing teams have now figured out Barcelona’s defensive style.
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LOPEZ SPEAKS OUT AFTER SEVILLA DEFEAT
Sunday’s loss marked Barcelona’s first major La Liga defeat under Flick, and Lopez did not hold back. The former midfielder, who played for the club between 2000 and 2005, called out the lack of intensity and poor timing in the team’s pressing, warning that the high line had become predictable.
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“TIME FOR A CHANGE”
Lopez stressed that pushing forward can work, but without pressure on the ball, teams exploit Barcelona’s defensive line. “(Flick) has been here for a year now, a year and a half, and we have to be critical of this Barça in terms of the way they defend,” he said, highlighting the need for an urgent tactical reassessment.
RECENT STRUGGLES CONTINUE
The defeat to Sevilla came just days after a home loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, a match that exposed defensive vulnerabilities despite the presence of key stars like Pedri, Frenkie De Jong, Lamine Yamal, and Ferran Torres.
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WHAT’S NEXT FOR BARCELONA
Barcelona will face Girona in La Liga on October 18, giving Flick the international break to address defensive weaknesses and prepare for the resumption of domestic action.
