"After a disappointing defeat to Chelsea in midweek, Barcelona were able to get back to winning ways thanks to a 3-1 victory at home to Deportivo Alaves. On paper, it was a perfect result for the Blaugrana, in a game that saw a dazzling brace from Dani Olmo, and the much-anticipated returns of Raphinha and Pedri to the pitch. However, the mood on the bench told a different story."
"As reported by Diario SPORT, despite the three points, Flick cut a sorrowful figure on the sidelines. His body language was not one of relief but of deep contemplation. This was most evident in an unsettling chat captured between Flick and Raphinha after the final whistle. Despite the Brazilian's positive impact upon his return to the starting XI, Flick was seen engaging him in an intense, serious conversation, suggesting that the standards required are still not being fully met."
"He wants total control, and right now, pieces are missing. The absence of Ronald Araujo looms large. The Uruguayan defender is reportedly having a hard time mentally following his costly expulsion against Chelsea in London, compounded by the stomach virus that ruled him out this weekend. Furthermore, the unexplained absence of Frenkie de Jong - another captain - adds another layer of complexity to the manager's headache."
Barcelona recovered from a midweek defeat with a 3-1 home win over Deportivo Alaves. Dani Olmo scored a dazzling brace while Raphinha and Pedri returned to the starting lineup. Despite the victory, manager Hansi Flick appeared sorrowful and engaged Raphinha in an intense conversation after the final whistle. Flick's concerns relate to broader squad issues and missing pieces beyond the 90 minutes. Ronald Araujo is absent and struggling mentally after his costly red card and a stomach virus, while Frenkie de Jong's unexplained absence adds complexity. Flick demands total control and believes the squad must meet higher standards to sustain consistent performances. His inability to smile suggests recovery will take longer than the scoreline implies.
Read at Barca Universal
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