FC Barcelona had a really tough time securing the victory against Levante UD. In a match marked by the anti-Barcelona referee Hernández Hernández's performance, Hansi Flick had to speak up at halftime. Incredibly, Barça finished the first 45 minutes clearly behind on the scoreboard, trailing by 2 goals to 0 and having to come back from an adverse result.
Flick's message
That's why Hansi Flick spoke during the halftime break. Already in the locker room and after conceding the second goal of the night through an unfair penalty, he was clear with his players.
What Hansi Flick wanted to do was give a couple of tactical adjustments to help the team regain its good feeling, after seeing several players out of position. In fact, he made a couple of changes: Dani Olmo came on for Rashford and Gavi for Casadó. He also took the opportunity to change Raphinha's position, since he wasn't convinced by him in the center.
But beyond that, his message was clear and forceful: "Guys, you have to show character, the winning gene you've shown you have." No sooner said than done, because three minutes after returning to the field Pedri scored, and by the 52nd minute, Ferran Torres tied the score at Ciutat de València.
Staying focused despite Hernández Hernández
In this regard, "Madrid-Barcelona" has also confirmed that there were words about the referee's performance. He asked them not to focus on Hernández Hernández and to play their usual game: only then could they turn the score around.
Despite the damaging performance by the Canary Islander, who invented a penalty that wasn't there, Barcelona managed to win. It's a victory that hurts and causes a lot of pain in the capital. They were celebrating after the first 45 minutes, but the reality is that this Barça is truly something else. Much of the credit goes to Flick.
The German has instilled a winning mentality that's hard to beat. For now, two matches and two victories in this league. Depending on what Madrid does tonight, the gap with Atlético is already 5 points (8.05 km), for example. No one can match this team's hunger for titles, and they're already thinking about the next match.
Let's hope for a referee who doesn't try to tip the scales against them so quickly...