The Atmosphere in FC Barcelona's Locker Room Is Red Hot. The narrow victory in a key match to keep the pressure on Real Madrid hasn't served to calm the spirits.
Three Barça footballers—Ansu Fati, Ferrán Torres, and Héctor Fort—showed their frustration openly against Hansi Flick. They made it clear that the management of the locker room is becoming complicated at the most decisive moment of the season.
Ansu Fati Is More Out Than In at Barça
Ansu Fati, after spending the entire second half warming up without playing a single minute, exploded at the end of the match by throwing his bib to the ground and kicking a cooler. The homegrown player feels ignored by Flick, and his entourage accuses the coach of not fulfilling what was promised.
The public criticism of his attitude in training hasn't helped either, and the divorce seems total. There is already talk of a possible contract termination at the end of the season... without forgiving a single euro.
Another who ended up with a sour face was Héctor Fort, who rejected the coach's hug after the final whistle. The homegrown player expected minutes in a match marked by tension, but he didn't get them.
It is suspected that the coaching staff had given him false expectations. The club's response is already underway: they are looking for a new right-back in the market.
Ferran Took the Substitution Very Badly
No less notable was the case of Ferran Torres. After scoring and being one of the best on the team, he was substituted in the second half.
The reaction was angry: he threw a ball, avoided Flick's handshake, and shrugged off the assistant coach. Although his anger dissipated after the comeback, the initial frustration left a mark.
In a press conference this morning, Flick didn't dodge the issue: "I understand that the players are frustrated, but not the way they express it. We want positive reactions, not tantrums."
With just over a month to the possible treble, Flick is clear about his starting eleven... but the locker room is starting to smoke.