Former Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué has launched a scathing critique of the club’s current defensive setup under manager Hansi Flick, claiming the team’s backline consistently repeats the same costly mistakes.
In comments made on his streaming platform, Piqué did not hold back. “The problem with Barça’s defense is that it always ends the same way,” he stated bluntly. “They defend well for 85 minutes, and in five minutes, they concede two goals. It’s a mental issue.”
The ex-Spain international pointed to the recent 3-2 La Liga defeat against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu on April 21, 2024, as a prime example. Barcelona held a 1-0 lead until the 69th minute, only to see their rivals score three times in a devastating 11-minute spell, with Jude Bellingham netting the 91st-minute winner.
“Look at the Clásico,” Piqué continued. “For 60, 70, 80 minutes, you are better than Madrid. Then, in 10 minutes, you concede two or three goals. This has happened with Xavi, and now it’s happening with Flick. It’s a pattern.”
Piqué, who retired in November 2022, argued that the issue is not purely tactical but psychological, a recurring failure to maintain concentration at critical moments. His analysis suggests a deep-rooted problem that has persisted across different managerial tenures.
The defender’s contract with Barcelona, signed during Josep Maria Bartomeu’s presidency, officially runs until June 30, 2026, though he is no longer part of the sporting structure. His outspoken remarks highlight the intense scrutiny and pressure on Flick to find a quick solution to Barcelona’s defensive fragility as they plan for the upcoming season.
