- Flick locked players in the dressing room
- Barcelona drew 1-1 with Rayo Vallecano
- Flick demands full commitment from the squad
Barcelona started well against Vallecano, with Lamine Yamal giving them a first-half leadthrough a penalty. However, the momentum slipped away after Fran Perez equalised for Rayo Vallecano in the 67th minute. While the hosts pressed for a winner, Barcelona had Joan Garcia to thank for keeping them in the game.
According to The Athletic, Flick was far from pleased with his side’s performance following the draw. His frustration boiled over, leading him to take drastic action by locking his players in the dressing room. This wasn’t just another post-match pep talk; it was a full-on confrontation. He reportedly gave the players the same stern message that he had shared with the media during his press conference, but this time with even stronger language.
Flick’s words to the media were sharp and direct: “The most important thing is that, when the transfer window is closed, everyone who stays is 100 per cent committed to this club. No egos, because egos kill success. Last season, we played as one unit. We have to be like this again now.”
It appears that the players received Flick’s message with a sense of understanding. It has been suggested that the squad agreed with Flick’s assessment of the situation, believing that his words were not only fair but necessary.
After the international break, Barcelona will return to action, with Valencia set to visit the Camp Nou on September 14. Flick will be hoping for a response from his squad, one that reflects the discipline and teamwork he is trying to instil.
