UCL: Steve McManaman Questions Hansi Flick’s Tactics in Barcelona’s 2-1 Loss to PSG

Former Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Manchester City midfielder Steve McManaman has expressed deep concern over the tactical decisions of Barcelona’s head coach, Hansi Flick, following the club’s 2-1 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night in Spain.

McManaman, who now works as a football analyst, admitted that he was “baffled” by Flick’s approach throughout the match. The Englishman noted that Barcelona struggled to maintain rhythm and cohesion, which allowed PSG to control crucial moments of the game.

Tactical Decisions Under Scrutiny

According to McManaman, Barcelona’s setup appeared unbalanced, with questionable substitutions and a lack of pressing intensity against a sharp PSG attack. He argued that Flick’s decision to sit deep after conceding possession only made it easier for the French side to dictate play and exploit defensive gaps.

“It baffles me,” McManaman said during his post-match analysis. “Barcelona had the chance to dominate in front of their home fans, but instead they allowed PSG too much room. The tactical approach didn’t suit the players available, and it cost them the game.”

Barcelona’s Missed Opportunities

Despite creating chances, Barcelona failed to convert them, and PSG capitalized with clinical finishing. McManaman believes that this game highlighted the need for Flick to adapt quickly if Barcelona are to remain competitive in the Champions League.

He further added that Barcelona must work on their defensive transitions, pointing out how PSG repeatedly found space behind the midfield line. “If these issues are not fixed, they will continue to struggle against top European opposition,” McManaman stressed.

Pressure Mounts on Hansi Flick

This defeat puts additional pressure on Hansi Flick, who only recently took charge of the Spanish giants. With the expectations that come with managing Barcelona, fans and analysts alike are calling for improvements both in strategy and execution.

PSG’s victory has also sparked debates about the strength of La Liga teams in European competitions compared to clubs from Ligue 1, the Premier League, and the Bundesliga.