Ronald Koeman has given his verdict on Hansi Flick’s Barcelona after seeing the team knocked out of the Champions League this week by Atletico Madrid.
Flick’s side were beaten 3-2 on aggregate over the two legs as their European dreams ended early once again, although Koeman is confident the German coach can win the Champions League for Barca.
“Yes, you can win the Champions League with the Flick model. The only thing is, if you analyze the matches, at key moments you can play with a very high defensive
line but with effective pressure on the opponent,” he said.
“The opponents create three or four chances. It’s a very beautiful system, it’s a pleasure to watch them play, but on the other hand, the defensive system, if you don’t pressure the player with the ball, is very risky.
Koeman also feels that Barca can’t simply blame the referees for their European exit.
“I think it’s a bit of an exaggeration to blame only the referee in these two matches. In both sendings-off, they could have been red cards because they were the last man back,” he added.
“The uncalled penalty is another matter. It is all a bit exaggerated. Although I understand what it is like when you are on the pitch or involved as a coach, or like President Laporta. I had those thoughts for years too when I was a coach.”
