Hansi Flick speaks out and agrees with Frenkie de Jong: 'I agree'

FC Barcelona left Anoeta with a painful defeat against Real Sociedad (2-1) in a match that left a strong feeling of frustration. Not only because of the result, but because of everything that happened during the ninety minutes. Barça created chances, hit the post several times, and saw how as many as three goals were disallowed.

The match grew in tension as the minutes went by. The refereeing decisions affected the pace of the game and ignited the spirits of the blaugrana players. Beyond their own mistakes, the team felt that they were not allowed to compete on equal terms, something that ultimately shaped the outcome of the clash.

Frenkie de Jong raises his voice

After the final whistle, Frenkie de Jong was the first to put words to the discomfort in the locker room. As captain, he stepped up in front of the microphones and expressed his disagreement with the attitude of the referee, Jesús Gil Manzano. More than specific decisions, he pointed to the lack of dialogue during the match.

The Dutchman explained that he tried to communicate with the referee and that he ran into a constant barrier. His message was clear and direct, full of frustration but also of responsibility. He didn't look for excuses, but he did want to record a feeling that many teammates on the field shared.

Hansi Flick backs his captain

In the post-match press conference, Hansi Flick analyzed the game in a calm tone. He was disappointed with the result, although he was satisfied with the team's performance in general terms, pointing out only a few specific defensive imbalances.

When he was asked about Frenkie de Jong's words, Flick didn't dodge the issue. Without dramatizing or directly pointing to the referee as the cause of the defeat, he made his position clear: he agreed with his captain. "People have seen the match," he stated, adding that he shared De Jong's perception, although he preferred not to wear himself out further in that kind of debate.

Internal message and look to the future

Flick's public backing of Frenkie de Jong strengthens the unity of the locker room at a delicate moment. The coach wanted to protect his players and, at the same time, avoid having the refereeing controversy overshadow the team's work. His message was measured but forceful.

At Barça they know that the defeat hurts, but they also know that the path lies in focusing on their play and keeping internal cohesion. Flick and De Jong's reaction reflects a united locker room, aware of their own mistakes but also firm when it comes to expressing what it considers unfair. The challenge now is to turn that frustration into positive energy for the upcoming commitments.