Barcelona, May 8, 2025 – FC Barcelona manager Hansi Flick did not hold back when expressing his frustration following the controversial draw against Inter Milan in the Champions League group stage. In an emotional press conference, the German coach blamed the referees for depriving the Catalans of a victory they deserved. His comments have caused a stir and sent a strong message to the competition’s organizers.
“Since Xavi’s time, we’ve been the most hated team by officials in La Liga and now in Europe. They never want to see us win at all. We dominated the game against Inter and could have easily won if it weren’t for the wrong decision,” Flick said, referring to a controversial refereeing decision that shaped the outcome of the match. Although he didn’t specify the incident, fans and analysts point to a possible missed penalty or a wrongly called foul at a key moment in the match.
Barcelona displayed a dominant display for much of the match, boasting overwhelming possession and numerous scoring chances. However, a series of questionable refereeing decisions, according to Flick, prevented the team from translating their superiority into the scoreboard. “My players gave everything, we controlled the game, but we can’t fight back against these decisions. It’s frustrating,” added the visibly annoyed German.
These words come at a delicate moment for Barcelona, which is looking to establish itself as a serious contender in the Champions League after years of disappointment. The Barça fans, who have already expressed their dissatisfaction with the refereeing on several occasions this season, have backed Flick’s statements, demanding greater transparency in the referees’ decisions.
Flick’s message not only calls into question the impartiality of referees but also serves as a challenge to UEFA to ensure fair treatment in the competition. With several key matches remaining, Barcelona needs to remain calm and channel this anger onto the pitch. The question now is whether these statements will further unite the team or add pressure at a crucial moment in the season. What is certain is that Flick has made it clear that he will not remain silent in the face of what he considers an injustice.