Barcelona manager Hansi Flick reacts to PSG defeat – “We were tired”

Barcelona were defeated by reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League clash on Wednesday, which was also their first defeat of the season. A late winner from Goncalo Ramos sealed the fate of the Catalans, who had led early on when Ferran Torres scored, before it was cancelled out by Senny Mayulu’s strike before half time.

As per Marca, head coach Hansi Flick gave his thoughts on the encounter, as he admitted that his side deserved to end up with zero points.

“The first half we played much better than the second. We conceded too much because we were tired. The truth is that PSG are a great team, they have very young and very fast players and they played a fantastic game. We didn’t play at our best level and against an opponent like that when it’s necessary. They deserved the victory.

“Of course we are disappointed. When you defend at 1-1, you have to play more intelligently at the end of the game and this has not happened. In transition, they have marked us. We have to be more structured and cover all spaces. You have to hold out for 90 minutes, the whole team has to defend, attack, be at a high level with the ball, take advantage of spaces, participate in possession… At PSG you saw that everyone knows how to take advantage of spaces, they want the ball… these are things to learn and improve.”

Image via David Ramos/Getty Images

Flick admits tiredness played a part for Barcelona

Flick withdrew Pedri earlier than usual against PSG, and post-match, he admitted that the 22-year-old was one of several players that were struggling with fatigue.

“I think in the second half you could see that some players were very tired, like Pedri and Frenkie. But they all gave their best on the pitch. Pedri and Frenkie have played a lot of minutes. It’s important that they’re fresh but the important thing is the team.”