"When we don't, we have a problem" - Hansi Flick pinpoints Barcelona issue after defeat to Las Palmas
Hansi Flick has expressed his concerns about Barcelona's current situation after the Catalans' shock 2-1 loss to Las Palmas on Saturday (November 30). The Catalans suffered defeat at home and are now three La Liga games without a win.
Spanish forward Sandro Ramirez gave the visitors the lead in the 49th minute before Raphinha's 61st-minute equalizer. The Blaugrana were punished six minutes later when Portuguese attacker Fabio Silva struck the winner.
It's a worrying period for Barcelona after such a scintillating start to life under Flick. They remain top of La Liga but are just four points above second-placed Real Madrid who have two games in hand.
Flick gave a grim verdict of Barca's struggles and pinpointed what had led to their slump. The German coach said (via Barca Universal):
"When we control games, we can play well and create chances. When we don't, we have a problem. Before, it was easy to create chances and score goals, but now it's not like that."
Barcelona had flourished in the season's early stages, winning seven league games on the bounce. Robert Lewandowski was in red-hot form but has one goal in his last four La Liga outings.
The Catalans dominated proceedings with 71% possession and 27 chances to Las Palmas' five. But El Pio-Pio's patience paid off and they stole all three points in a famous win.
"I'm angry" - Raphinha frustrated with Barcelona's drop in form
Raphinha was on the scoresheet in Barcelona's disappointing defeat to Las Palmas. The Brazilian attacker took his tally for the season to 10 goals and 13 assists in 37 games across competitions.
Yet, the 27-year-old voiced concerns with Barca's plight and how they aren't performing to their usual standards. He said after the loss (via BarcaCentre):
"We have to look at what we are doing wrong. I think we have lowered the level of what we are doing, and it's making things difficult for us during games. I'm angry, I don't care about my goal, I care about not getting the win."
Barca will look to bounce back against Mallorca on Tuesday (December 3) and try and return to winning ways. Raphinha has been one of the Catalans' bright sparks this season and will be vital for Flick to turn things around.
Madrid are hot on their tails and can move to within a point of the Blaugrana with a win tomorrow. Carlo Ancelotti's Los Blancos face Getafe at the Santiago Bernabeu.