“How much longer will repeat the same thing?”
Football greats criticize Hansi Flick
November 6, 2025 – 2:44 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
The 3-3 draw in the Champions League in Bruges led to criticism of Hansi Flick. Well-known ex-footballers show little understanding for the German coach.
FC Barcelona not only disappointed sportingly in the 3-3 draw in the Champions League in Bruges, the style of play under coach Hansi Flick was also criticized. Football icons Ruud Gullit and Thierry Henry spoke clearly about the Catalans’ tactical approach after the wild game.
“Why stick to a plan that is doomed to fail?” Gullit asked on beIN Sports. The 63-year-old described the offensive approach with the defense wide open as “counterproductive” and even “kamikaze-like”. Barça had to come from behind three times against Brugge, who had previously lost 4-0 at FC Bayern.
Thierry Henry, former Barça striker, said on CBS Sports: “How long are we going to repeat the same thing? You should eliminate mistakes, not produce them yourself.” The Frenchman emphasized that applying pressure is important, but defensive work without the ball and protecting your own goal are also important.
Barça has been waiting for a clean sheet for nine competitive games. The last time the team kept a clean sheet was on September 21st in a 3-0 win against Getafe FC. In the league, the club is currently five points behind leaders Real Madrid.
After the draw in Bruges, which jeopardized direct entry into the round of 16, the Spanish press also found clear words. “El País” spoke of a “terrifying collective vulnerability of the collective”, “Mundo Deportivo” headlined of a “defensive disaster” and “Marca” wrote: “Barça is playing with fire.”
Despite the criticism, Hansi Flick defends his approach. “We can change some things but also stay true to our philosophy. We don’t have to change the way we play, we are Barça,” said the 60-year-old coach.