Rivaldo reveals Flick's Barça's big flaw: "It can't go on like this"

The Barça's defeat at Stamford Bridge (3-0) continues to generate reactions, and one of the most authoritative voices to have spoken out is that of Rivaldo, a Blaugrana legend. The Brazilian has expressed particular concern about the defensive performance of the team managed by Hansi Flick, an aspect he considers key to explaining the harsh setback in the Champions League against Chelsea.

The former player, who continues to follow the club's current events very closely, has not hesitated to point out that defensive fragility is the great problem that Barça has been dragging this season. With only four clean sheets in 18 games and eight goals conceded in the last four matches, Rivaldo considers an immediate reaction essential.

Rivaldo Calls for Urgent Changes: "Barça Can't Continue Like This"

The Brazilian explained that the team's defensive work must improve urgently, and that the responsibility must be shared between the German coach and the players themselves. “It can't go on like this. It's clear that some situations may be the coach's responsibility, but others are plays that the players don't execute well,” he stated.

Rivaldo remarked that Barça concedes too many openings in dangerous areas: “Sometimes there's a lack of communication between defenders or attention to avoid leaving opposing forwards in a position to finish. Many times players don't assimilate what's worked on during the week”.

The former footballer's reading coincides with the concern that Flick has also shown in recent weeks. The German coach, who arrived precisely to strengthen the squad and provide it with tactical solidity, now faces his biggest challenge since taking the reins at the Camp Nou.

Lamine Yamal, well controlled at Stamford Bridge

Rivaldo also had words for Lamine Yamal, whom he saw as overcome by Chelsea's defensive vigilance. The Brazilian highlighted that the young winger needs more variations to avoid being easily neutralized.

"Lamine Yamal wasn't good because he was very well marked. In situations like that, I think he needs to have more options on the field. He can't just operate on the right, always repeating the same move," he opined. The Brazilian referred directly to the **duel Lamine had with Marc Cucurella**, a Barça academy product and teammate in the Spanish national team.

Cucurella, chosen MVP of the match, neutralized the Mataró winger thanks to his knowledge of his movements and an outstanding defensive performance. For Rivaldo, these types of matches should serve as a learning experience for the young attacker to evolve and find new ways to generate danger.

Concern over Barça's lack of defensive solidity

Rivaldo's diagnosis aligns with the numbers. Barça is showing more doubts than usual in the defensive department, and every misstep has immediate consequences. Lack of coordination, individual errors, and problems in defensive transitions have led the team to concede more goals than expected.

The situation worsens in a context of maximum demand like the Champions League, where rivals take advantage of every detail. The defeat against Chelsea has reopened a debate that was already growing: the team creates chances, dominates long stretches of games, but concedes too much.

Rivaldo believes Flick must intervene from the chalkboard, but insists that the players must take on more responsibility. "There are mistakes that cannot be allowed, and not everything depends on the coach. The players also have to react," he stressed

Rivaldo criticizes the new Champions League format

Beyond the specific analysis of the match, Rivaldo also expressed his disagreement with the current format of the Champions League, an opinion that other former footballers and coaches have already expressed"The old format was better. I think all the big teams will qualify equally and the real challenge will begin in the playoffs," he said, questioning the league phase introduced this season.

The Brazilian believes that the new system dilutes the excitement of the group stage and that the tournament gained more intensity with the traditional format. His words add to a growing debate in European football.

Flick's Barça needs to react

The defeat against Chelsea has been an important warning for Barça. Although Flick's project includes positive aspects—offensive growth, competitiveness, and a more defined identity—the defensive reality is preventing the team from making a competitive leap in Europe.

Rivaldo's testimony, a respected figure and influential voice in the club's history, underscores the urgency of finding solutions. With a **loaded schedule** and the Champions League as the main objective, Flick will have to correct mistakes and recover the solidity that characterized his best teams.