After an intense and disappointing 3-3 draw with Inter Milan in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final, Barcelona’s coach, Hansi Flick, showed his frustration with the outcome. The team now faces a crucial second leg next Tuesday at San Siro, Milan. According to El Nacional, Flick consoled Barcelona’s standout player, Lamine Yamal, who had given his all but was visibly disappointed with the result. Flick reassured the young star, praising his effort and leadership on the field.
Flick also acknowledged Pedri’s relentless determination despite exhaustion, publicly expressing his pride in coaching him. However, not all reactions were positive, as the coach was reportedly upset with Gerard Martín’s performance, leading to his exclusion from the squad for the rest of the season.
In an unusual move, Barcelona president Joan Laporta entered the locker room after the match. He praised Yamal, telling him he could be a Ballon d’Or contender and urged him to keep up the same level of performance in the return leg. Laporta also spoke to Flick, advising him to avoid using a high defensive line in the second leg due to the team’s fatigue and to consider the impact of Alejandro Balde’s absence, which had left Raphinha isolated on the left side of the pitch.
