Hansi Flick was self-critical after FC Barcelona's heavy defeat at Chelsea (3-0). The manager admitted the difficulty of playing with ten men for the entire second half after Ronald Araujo's expulsion, in addition to pointing out the errors that tipped the scales in favor of a superior London side at Stamford Bridge

"I don't know how many minutes it's been, but we've played a lot of minutes with one man down and Chelsea is a very good team with the ball. We have to accept the defeat and also think positively," the German coach began.

In that regard, Flick lamented Ferran Torres's missed goal in the 4th minute, as well as the errors in ball movement as key factors in the defeat. "We lost too many balls, we didn't maintain possession, some players made mistakes...". He also insisted on the importance of playing with a numerical disadvantage against a top-tier opponent.

"If you analyze the match, you have to see that we played with one less player, and that affects things a lot. Playing with an extra player makes it easier. For Chelsea, playing against ten is a big advantage," stated the Heidelberg native. 

Flick promises a better Barça and does not resign himself to not entering the TOP-8

Regarding how to process the defeat, Flick insisted on continuing to work to regain the intensity needed for this type of match. Furthermore, he is confident that the squad is showing positive signs, such as Raphinha's return and Rashford's current form, although he understands that adjustments will need to be made to improve.

"We will see another Barça, I can promise you that. I see how we train, the intensity and the quality, and it's different from a few weeks ago... I have good feelings"

Likewise, the Barça coach is confident that the team will be able to win the next three matches to have a chance to enter the TOP-8 and qualify directly for the round of 16, although it will be a difficult objective to achieve"It will be very difficult to finish in the top eight, but anything is possible. We need to play aggressively. We've seen a more dynamic Chelsea and that's what I want from my team," the manager pointed out.

Warning for Araujo after his second Champions League sending-off

On the other hand, Hansi Flick had a 'word' with Ronald Araujo about his expulsion in the first half. While the first yellow card was for protesting a foul by Cucurella on Lamine Yamal, the captain lacked clarity to avoid an almost immediate second yellow (13 minutes passed between the two bookings).

"I don't know what happened with the first yellow card. I have to talk to him and watch the videos. In the second one, they shouldn't have gone in like that, but these things happen in football. It wasn't the right moment or the right play, but it happened," the Barça coach pointed out.

The 'charrúa' will likely receive a one-match ban, meaning he will miss matchday 6 against Eintracht. Fortunately, none of the four Culés at risk of suspension were cautioned on Tuesday at Stamford Bridge