‘A beautiful system’ – Ronald Koeman says Barcelona can win the Champions League under Hansi Flick

MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 14: Hansi Flick, Head Coach of FC Barcelona, adjusts his head set as he speaks to the media in a post match press conference following the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between Club Atlético de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on April 14, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) | UEFA via Getty Images

Ronald Koeman has given his verdict on Hansi Flick’s Barcelona after seeing the team knocked out of the Champions League this week by Atletico Madrid.

Flick’s side were beaten 3-2 on aggregate over the two legs as their European dreams ended early once again, although Koeman is confident the German coach can win the Champions League for Barca.

“Yes, you can win the Champions League with the Flick model. The only thing is, if you analyze the matches, at key moments you can play with a very high defensive line but with effective pressure on the opponent,” he said.

“The opponents create three or four chances. It’s a very beautiful system, it’s a pleasure to watch them play, but on the other hand, the defensive system, if you don’t pressure the player with the ball, is very risky.

Koeman also feels that Barca can’t simply blame the referees for their European exit.

“I think it’s a bit of an exaggeration to blame only the referee in these two matches. In both sendings-off, they could have been red cards because they were the last man back,” he added.