FC Barcelona’s 3-3 draw against Club Brugge in the fourth round of the Champions League league phase has reignited an old debate: does Hansi Flick’s game plan really work? The German coach remains committed to his trademark system of high pressing and an advanced defensive line, but recent results have cast doubt on its effectiveness.

Both Thierry Henry and Ruud Gullit, two respected voices in world football, agreed in pointing out the weaknesses of a model that, while ambitious, leaves the team vulnerable every time the opponent breaks through the first line of pressure.

Criticism of Barcelona’s “Kamikaze Risk”

The first to fire shots was Ruud Gullit, who harshly criticized Flick’s strategy in comments to beIN SPORTS. “Why insist on a plan doomed to fail?” said the Dutch legend, calling the idea of keeping the defensive line so high “kamikaze.”

Barça has conceded 20 goals in 15 official matches, seven of them in just four European games. For Gullit, that number reflects a poorly balanced structure: “Every turnover is an open invitation to a counterattack. You can’t win titles playing like that.”

Flick, however, defended his philosophy after the draw in Belgium. “We are Barça, and we play with our DNA. I won’t change our style out of fear of losing. I’m not going to sit back and defend a 1-0 lead,” said the German, making it clear he has no plans to abandon his attacking approach.

Henry Points to Defensive Chaos

From the CBS Sports studio, Thierry Henry, former Arsenal and Barcelona striker, also expressed disbelief at the team’s lack of progress. “We’re seeing the same mistakes as last year. The number of goals they concede is excessive, and many are far too easy,” said the visibly frustrated Frenchman.

Henry argued that the issue lies in the tactical structure, not in individual quality. “It’s not normal for defenders to constantly be outnumbered or for the goalkeeper to be so exposed. With the talent Barça has, this makes no sense. How much longer are we going to keep repeating the same thing?” he asked.

The former forward added that the team needs to defend better without the ball, reminding that “it’s not all about pressing.” “When opponents attack down the flanks, the defense collapses. You also have to know how to protect your goal,” he insisted.

Deschamps Defends Koundé

Even French national team coach Didier Deschamps joined the debate to defend Jules Koundé, noting that his recent mistakes are a direct consequence of Flick’s system. “Barça plays with a very high line, regardless of the moment in the match. That leaves defenders in impossible situations,” he explained.

With Henry, Gullit, and Deschamps all voicing concerns, the immediate future of Flick’s project looks uncertain. And although the German coach insists he won’t abandon his philosophy, Barça now faces an uncomfortable question: will he stay true to his idea or give in to the evidence of his own mistakes?