The elimination against Inter Milan in the Champions League left more than just a simple defeat in Barça's locker room. The club showed character, but also exposed its weaknesses. Hansi Flick, the team's new coach, has been clear: two key positions need to be reinforced as soon as possible.
One Step from the Dream and Reality
FC Barcelona was close to reaching the Champions League final. They competed, fought, and believed, but reality was different. Inter was more solid, more effective, and knew how to capitalize on the blaugrana's mistakes.
Flick knows it, the team is not that far, but not that close either. To make that leap in quality, there are details that can no longer be ignored, and the defense, especially the full-backs, became the weakest point of the entire knockout stage.
Injuries and Patches That Aren't Enough
The absences of Alejandro Balde and Jules Koundé complicated everything. Hansi Flick had to improvise. He placed Gerard Martín and Eric Garcia as full-backs, an emergency solution rather than a technical choice.
The result was evident: lack of depth, insecurity in duels, and specific mistakes that ended up costing them. "We can't afford these mistakes in matches like this," was heard from inside the locker room. Inter attacked from the outside and won, Barça defended as best they could, but it wasn't enough.
Clear Message from the Bench
Hansi Flick hasn't hesitated to point out the priorities. As soon as the knockout stage ended, he made it clear that the team needs reinforcements in the full-back positions, not just because of injuries. The coach believes that these positions are poorly covered in terms of quality and depth.
His request is not a suggestion. It is a demand to compete at the highest level. You can't fight for a Champions League by improvising defenders in the most important matches; specialists are needed, and they are needed now.
Busy Summer in the Offices
With the season in its final weeks, Barça's management is already working on what's to come. Flick's request has been heard. The market will open with the clear mission of finding two reliable full-backs.
They will have to sell to be able to buy, as in previous years. But this time, there is a defined roadmap. The German coach wants a more complete team, with more options, and above all, with more defensive solidity.
The foundation of the project is there. The young talent is exciting, but to win big titles, specific reinforcements are also needed. This summer will be key for the new Barça under Hansi Flick, and it all starts with strengthening the flanks.