BARCELONA — Barcelona manager Hansi Flick delivered a stark assessment of his team after a 2-1 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, openly admitting they are not yet on the European champions’ level.
Despite taking an early lead through Ferran Torres, Barcelona conceded an equalizer before the break and a 90th-minute winner from Gonçalo Ramos. The loss marks Barcelona’s first of the season across all competitions.
“You can see it today, there’s no point saying we’re on the same level,” Flick said in a post-game news conference. He acknowledged PSG’s superior philosophy and control, even with key players missing. “We started very well, but after 30, 35 minutes, it was like PSG controlled more the game.”
Flick pinpointed a loss of defensive structure and fatigue as critical failures, especially for the late winning goal. “When you defend, 90 minutes, the 1-1, then also you have to play a little smarter, clever at the end of the match,” he stated. “This cannot happen that they make a transition and score this goal. This we have to learn.”
Despite the disappointment, Flick expressed belief in his squad, vowing, “We are working again to reach this level.” Barcelona now turn their focus to a La Liga clash with Sevilla this weekend.