Flick shoulders 'blame' for loss after rotation fails

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick mentioned he’s responsible after wholesale adjustments resulted in a 4-2 loss at Osasuna on Saturday as his aspect’s seven-game successful run in LaLiga was ended.

Lamine Yamal and Raphinha have been amongst 5 gamers rested after the midweek win over Getafe as Barça tasted defeat within the league for the primary time this season.

“We had a number of adjustments within the group and that is possibly one purpose for [the performance], nevertheless it was vital,” Flick mentioned in his post-game information convention.

“We had so many matches and a number of gamers had performed so many minutes. I needed to take care, that is my accountability. If you wish to blame somebody for this defeat, blame me.”

Barça would have matched the membership file of eight successive wins firstly of a LaLiga marketing campaign by successful at El Sadar, however they fell behind to Ante Budimir‘s header within the 18th minute.

Bryan Zaragoza rounded goalkeeper Iñaki Peña, filling in for the injured Marc-André ter Stegen, to double Osasuna’s benefit earlier than half-time, however Pau Víctor‘s first Barça purpose received the away aspect again into the sport after the break.

Nonetheless, Barça’s hopes of a comeback ended when Budimir scored his second of the night time from the penalty spot after being fouled by Sergi Domínguez, the 19-year-old centre-back who was one of many 5 gamers to come back into the aspect.

Abel Bretones‘ long-range strike then made it 4-1 earlier than Yamal added a late comfort with a shocking drive from the sting of the field, his fifth purpose of the marketing campaign.

“Within the second half we tried to get a greater end result, we make the 2-1 and we’ve some possibilities, however the penalty killed us,” Flick added.

“I’ll analyse the match and possibly will see some issues concerning the choices of the referee, he was not every part 100% proper. However we’ve to simply accept it.

“We are going to go on. I actually assume constructive about this group. Everyone seems to be on the correct means and we’ll present it within the subsequent two matches towards Young Boys and [Alavés].”

Flick insisted he would make the identical adjustments once more given the possibility, stating that accidents have prevented him from rotating extra throughout his first few months as Barça coach.

Dani Olmo, Frenkie de Jong, Gavi and Fermín López are all in line to return after the worldwide break, however earlier than then Barça should negotiate a Champions League sport at residence to Younger Boys on Tuesday and a visit to Alavés in LaLiga subsequent weekend.

“I had no different alternative,” Flick burdened when pressed on his adjustments. “If you happen to see in the meanwhile our group, we’ve three midfield gamers, plus we had one defender who’s Eric [in midfield].

“Then we’ve [Marc] Casadó, we’ve Pedri and we’ve Pablo [Torre]. So, 4 gamers. And it’s important to take into consideration what gamers are beginning. This isn’t straightforward however we settle for it.

“After the break in October, there are lots of gamers again. The scenario is we’ve many injured gamers, however no excuses. Now we have to simply accept the defeat, it was not our greatest day.

“I’m all the time wanting ahead and I’m constructive. Now we have to make our first win within the Champions League on Tuesday, as a result of three factors is essential.

“It will not be straightforward as a result of Younger Boys have a very good group, a really quick group. Now we have to deal with that additionally, so we’ll see how we do it.”

Regardless of the defeat, Barça’s encouraging begin to the season below Flick means they continue to be 4 factors clear on the high of the desk forward of Sunday’s Madrid derby, which sees Real Madrid and Atlético, second and third within the desk earlier than the weekend, meet on the Civitas Metropolitano.