Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has insisted that his team’s 4-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain can provide valuable lessons ahead of Sunday’s El Clasico, acknowledging that the European champions exposed areas his side must improve.
The loss marked Barcelona’s first defeat of the 2026/27 season, with Luis Enrique’s PSG making the most of their attacking quality to overcome the Catalan side.
Despite the disappointing result, Flick refused to overlook the positives, praising Xavi Espart and Joan Garcia while explaining his decision to rest Rodri ahead of the meeting with Real Madrid.
Flick admits PSG exposed Barcelona’s weaknesses
Barcelona struggled to contain PSG’s attack, especially as the game progressed, but Flick saw the contest as an important test of his team’s current level.
“It was a great test for us and today we saw in which areas we need to improve. I also saw some good things,” he began.
The German coach acknowledged that mistakes and turnovers had contributed to the defeat, while giving credit to PSG for their performance.
“I think it was a fantastic game from both teams. We made mistakes and lost possession that we need to analyse,” Flick explained.
He added that “PSG showed they were better than us. We lost, but we learned a lot from this match.”
Hansi Flick praised Joan Garcia’s performance. (Photo by Catherine Steenkeste for Qatar Airways/Getty Images)
With Real Madrid next on Barcelona’s schedule, Flick will have little time to address those shortcomings. He nevertheless stressed that the PSG encounter was important in its own right, rather than simply a warm-up for the weekend’s showdown.
“Yes. Today’s match was important too. We didn’t want to lose. We had chances after the score was 1–1. PSG played fantastically. On Sunday it’s El Clasico, and that’s always important for us.”
Xavi Espart and Joan Garcia earn Flick’s praise
One of Barcelona’s brighter performers was Xavi Espart, who impressed at right-back against a formidable attacking opponent.
Flick highlighted the youngster’s development and the level he has maintained since stepping up from youth football.
“Xavi Espart is playing at an incredible level. I think I was surprised by his level last year, then the Under-19 European Championship and then he came directly to us. Since then he has played at a high level,” he noted.
The manager also underlined the difficulty of Espart’s defensive assignment against PSG.
“It wasn’t easy for Xavi Espart to defend today, and he played at an enormous level. We have to focus on the positives, and there were positives. Playing like that from right-back wasn’t easy,” he added.
Goalkeeper Joan Garcia was another player to receive recognition after keeping Barcelona competitive with several important interventions.
Flick explained the decision to start Marc Bernal ahead of Rodri. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
“PSG had many chances and Joan was fantastic,” Flick said.
Flick also provided a brief update on Dani Olmo, who suffered a knock during the match, although the midfielder’s condition remains unclear.
“Olmo took a knock and is feeling some pain. We’ll have to wait and see.”
Rodri rested as Bernal makes his case before El Clasico
Flick’s midfield selection also attracted attention, with Marc Bernal starting in place of Rodri.
The decision was intended to manage the latter’s workload and ensure he would be fresher for the trip to face Real Madrid.
“I spoke to him this morning to tell Rodri that Bernal would play. We are aware of Rodri’s fatigue and the minutes he has accumulated,” explained the manager.
Lastly, Flick said that he was satisfied with Bernal’s contribution, particularly during the opening half, and reiterated the benefit of giving Rodri time to recover.
“Bernal played and had a good game, especially in the first half, and Rodri will be fresh for the Clasico,” Flick concluded.
Source: Mundo Deportivo