Flick calls Valencia loss 'childish mistake'

Hansi Flick said after Barcelona’s 3-1 defeat at Valencia on May 23 that his team made “easy mistakes” and lost concentration after taking the lead in the final La Liga match of the season. Barcelona went ahead through Robert Lewandowski in the 61st minute at Mestalla before conceding three times, with Valencia scoring through Javi Guerra, Luis Rioja and Guido Rodriguez. Flick said the result did not change his view of Barcelona’s season, but he called the display one to review before the team returns for the next campaign. ### What did Flick say went wrong after Barcelona went in front? Hansi Flick said Barcelona were not fully focused once they had taken control of the scoreline. In comments carried by Yahoo Sports from Football Espana’s report, Flick said his side made a “childish mistake” after the 1-0 and allowed Valencia back into the game. (sports.yahoo.com) The German coach also said Valencia deserved the result. Barca Universal, citing Flick’s post-match press conference, quoted him saying Barcelona made “easy mistakes,” were “not 100% concentrated,” and that Valencia were “hungrier than us.” ### How did the match turn so quickly at Mestalla? (sports.yahoo.com) Robert Lewandowski scored in the 61st minute, finishing a rebound after a Ferran Torres shot, according to Valencia’s match report. The goal put Barcelona in front after a first half in which both sides created chances but neither scored. Five minutes later, Javi Guerra won the ball in Barcelona’s half, beat a defender and finished to make it 1-1, Valencia said. (barcauniversal.com) Luis Rioja then added the second goal soon after, and Guido Rodriguez struck in stoppage time, in the 97th minute, to seal the 3-1 result. ### What did the defeat mean for Barcelona’s season? (valenciacf.com) Barcelona had already secured the league title before the final round, so the loss did not alter their standing as champions. Barca Universal reported that Barcelona finished the 2025-26 league season with 94 points, and Flick said the defeat did not erase what he described as a good campaign. (valenciacf.com) Flick nevertheless said the match should be examined. He contrasted the display at Valencia with the “very serious games” and clean sheets Barcelona had produced in recent weeks, according to Barca Universal’s account of his remarks. ### Why was Lewandowski part of the post-match discussion? (barcauniversal.com) Robert Lewandowski’s goal was described by Barca Universal as his final one in a Barcelona shirt, and the outlet reported that the Valencia game was his last match for the club. Flick said Lewandowski deserved to say goodbye on the pitch. (barcauniversal.com) Valencia’s official report said Lewandowski had also hit the post just before halftime before breaking the deadlock after the interval. His goal, however, did not prevent Barcelona from ending the season with defeat. ### What did Flick say about next season? Flick used the post-match comments to set out his expectations for the next campaign. (barcauniversal.com) Barca Universal quoted him saying that next season “will be tougher” and that he wants everyone “100% focused” when the squad returns. (valenciacf.com) The Barcelona coach also said players could now go to the World Cup or on holiday and rest, but that “what counts is Barca” when they come back. He said preseason would begin in July and called for full commitment from players and staff. (barcauniversal.com)