‘This Barçelona is not the same as last year’ – Hansi Flick told what’s missing from his team after Girona defeat

Barcelona’s swagger has evaporated inside a week. Back-to-back defeats to Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey and Girona in La Liga have not only dumped the holders out of the cup and off the top of the table, they have also invited uncomfortable questions about the direction Hansi Flick’s side is heading.

Bojan Krkic Sr, the former club scout, delivered the sharpest diagnosis yet in an interview with Cadena SER, arguing that the current vintage bears little resemblance to the team that thrilled Spain last season. “This Barça is not the same as last year,” he said. “It is true that they have important injured players, but their way of playing means that they need fast and skilful players to be able to overcome the opponent’s lines and generate more scoring chances.”

The numbers from Montilivi support his view. Barcelona peppered Girona with 27 shots, yet only one found the net – a towering header from teenage defender Pau Cubarsi. According to Bojan, the issue is not chance creation but execution and tempo. “They must play faster and more vertical football and this is not being achieved now. The greatness of this team depends on the rapid circulation of the ball and, without Pedri, everything is more complicated. Barça are generating clear scoring chances despite not playing as well as last year, but Barça are struggling to be effective.”

With the league lead surrendered and their grip on the Copa del Rey loosened, Flick now faces a race to relocate the rhythm and ruthlessness that once defined Barcelona’s play.