“We’re professionals, so we shouldn’t take pleasure in others’ misfortunes. Ancelotti is a skilled coach but made three mistakes that Real Betis could have exploited. I hope he learns from this and adjusts in the future,” says Barca coach Hansi Flick. He criticizes Ancelotti for benching a £78m star and suggests that these changes could make Real Madrid appear as formidable as Manchester City.

In a frank post-match press conference, FC Barcelona coach Hansi Flick critiqued Real Madrid’s recent performance, particularly targeting Carlo Ancelotti’s decisions during the game. Flick, known for his detailed approach and strategic insight, identified three main areas where he felt Ancelotti made mistakes that could have altered the match’s outcome.

1. Handling of Key Players
   Flick’s first point was about Ancelotti’s management of Real Madrid’s £78 million star player. He questioned the decision to bench this key signing, arguing that it deprived Real Madrid of a vital attacking option. Flick suggested that including this player might have strengthened Real Madrid’s performance, drawing a comparison to Manchester City’s tactical depth.
2. Tactical Adjustments
   Flick also criticized Ancelotti for not adapting his tactics to Real Betis’s evolving strategy during the game. He emphasized that the ability to make timely tactical changes is crucial in high-stakes matches, and suggested that Ancelotti’s inflexible game plan made Real Madrid more susceptible to pressure.
3. In-Game Management
   The final criticism from Flick centered on Ancelotti’s in-game management. He noted that Real Madrid missed key opportunities and responded too slowly to Real Betis’s pressure. Flick highlighted the importance of decisive actions and effective decision-making during the game, suggesting that Ancelotti’s approach fell short in this regard.

Despite these critiques, Flick maintained a respectful tone, acknowledging Ancelotti’s overall coaching skills. “We’re professionals, and we shouldn’t take pleasure in anyone’s misfortune,” Flick said. “Ancelotti is a very skilled coach, but these are areas where he could improve. I hope he addresses these issues and that Real Madrid becomes even stronger in future matches.”

Flick’s comments reflect ongoing discussions about strategy in top European football and highlight the intense scrutiny that leading coaches face. His observations underscore the continuous need for adaptation and innovation in the sport.