A bitter victory: the unsettling reaction of Hansi Flick

FC Barcelona defeated Alavés 3–1, but the scoreline quickly faded behind a viral moment: Hansi Flick, slumped on the bench with a distant stare, while Raphinha tried to lift his spirits. A scene uncharacteristic of a coach who had just earned three points, but one that revealed something far more concerning.

Cameras caught the German manager shaking his head and displaying clear frustration. For many, it was a warning sign that something is not right inside the team. But behind that expression lies tension that goes far beyond Barça’s performance.

Sources close to the club indicated that Flick was deeply upset with the officiating, especially the lack of communication from the fourth official and the expulsions of José Ramón de la Fuente and Marcus Sorg, two key members of his coaching staff.

Refereeing and chaos: the real reason behind the German coach’s anger

According to internal reports, Flick’s anger erupted when the referee expelled De la Fuente (65’) and later Sorg (90’), both for protesting. The situation leaves the coach without two vital staff members for the upcoming league matches against Atlético and Betis.

Flick explained it clearly after the match:
“I lacked communication. I asked the fourth official what had happened and he told me nothing,” a line he emphasized as proof of an “endemic problem.”

The frustration grew due to another controversial moment: the uncalled penalty on Lamine Yamal in the first half. The young winger was taken down in the box after clear contact with Parada, but Ortiz Arias did not blow the whistle and VAR did not intervene.

That series of decisions left the coach “furious”, according to club sources.

Raphinha, the unexpected confidant: “We can do much better”

Away from the cameras, Raphinha became Flick’s main interlocutor. The Brazilian was the first to approach the coach at the final whistle to calm him down and share concerns.

Raphinha later explained:
“The coach feels we could have done much more. We're not at our best version.”

The No. 11 was direct:
“If there are games we have to play badly and win, I don’t care. What matters is winning.”

Flick, for his part, admitted on DAZN that the conversation felt like déjà vu:
“He told me the same thing as last time: we’re going to improve.”

For the German coach, Raphinha is an emotional and sporting pillar:
“He gives us dynamism and is fundamental for the team.”

A Barça that wins but doesn’t convince: signs worrying the locker room

Beyond the refereeing, Flick himself hinted at deeper worries about the team’s level:
“We don’t have the control we had at times last season.”

Barça keeps getting results, but their play raises questions. Lots of possession, little control, and too many turnovers in dangerous areas. In fact, against Alavés, goalkeeper Joan García had to intervene several times to prevent a scare.

The coach acknowledges injuries have affected the team’s rhythm, but insists they must take a step forward:
“We have to improve, and we can improve many things.”