Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has insisted that the Champions League will not be won in October after his side suffered a 4-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in Tuesday’s league-phase encounter.
PSG took the lead through in-form Desire Doue, but Xavi Espart responded for the Catalans. Lucas Hernandez restored the advantage, but Lamine Yamal levelled it again.
However, the Parisians had the last laugh as Vitinha belted in a late strike, and Fabian Ruiz sealed the win with a late tap-in.
The result at the Parc des Princes ended Barcelona‘s impressive run of 11 consecutive victories.
The Spanish champions struggled to contain the reigning European champions during the closing stages as their energy levels dropped.
Despite the setback, Flick refused to panic, reminding his players that there is still plenty of time to improve before the competition reaches its most decisive stage.
“It’s October, and you don’t win titles in October; the Champions League is won in June,” the German told reporters after the match (via Marca).
Flick acknowledged that PSG deserved the win, admitting the French giants showed their superiority in the meeting between two European heavyweights.
The Barcelona boss also pointed to his players’ demanding schedule following their previous outing against Sevilla.
However, he stressed that their physical condition should not justify the loss.
Barcelona will take encouragement from the performance of young defender Espart, who impressed Flick.
The manager also praised goalkeeper Joan Garcia and highlighted the positives from an otherwise disappointing evening, insisting that his squad still has considerable potential.
Barcelona must now regroup ahead of Sunday’s showdown with Real Madrid. Flick will hope his players can respond positively to the European setback.
The defeat serves as a warning that Barcelona have work to do if they are to clinch their first Champions League title since 2015.
Still, Flick remains convinced that their Champions League ambitions should not be judged by one result in October.