Flick complains to UEFA about the Metropolitano pitch ahead of Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona

Flick complains to UEFA about the Metropolitano pitch ahead of Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona

Barcelona are gearing up for their most important match of the season so far as they take on Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals this midweek.

The Catalans have the daunting challenge of overcoming a two-goal deficit at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, which often proves to be a hostile atmosphere for the visiting team.

It is no different this time around, with Hansi Flick already not too happy with the condition of the pitch, heading into this vital affair.

Flick lodges complaint about the pitch

According to ElDesmarque, Hansi Flick complained to UEFA officials about the state of the pitch ahead of the Atletico Madrid clash.

Images captured by ElDesmarque show the Barcelona head coach approaching UEFA delegates present at the training ground and pointing out a specific section of the field.

His concern appears to centre around the height of the grass. It remains unclear whether his dissatisfaction also extends to the dryness of the surface.

Despite the seriousness of his concern, Flick is said to have raised the issue politely, making his displeasure known in a measured manner rather than causing a scene.

After all, for a Barcelona side that thrives on quick, fluid passing football, a heavy or uneven surface at the Metropolitano could pose an additional obstacle in what is already a formidable task.

However, this was something Barcelona were always expecting heading into the second-leg clash. Even before the first leg, the team was aware that the return leg at the Metropolitano would be a difficult affair due to Atleti’s game-play and the condition of the pitch.

The onus is now on the Catalans to overcome this difficult situation and secure a comeback against Diego Simeone’s men this week.