Flick admits Barcelona were second-best in 2-1 loss to PSG

BARCELONA :Barcelona manager Hansi Flick conceded that Paris St Germain were worthy winners in their 2-1 Champions League victory at the Montjuic Olympic Stadium on Wednesday and said that his team needed to improve in key areas.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Flick acknowledged that his side, who took the lead through Ferran Torres in the 19th minute, were second-best for much of the contest.

PSG, despite missing several key players, equalised through 19-year-old Senny Mayulu in the first half before substitute Goncalo Ramos scored a 90th-minute winner.

"Today, I don't think we can say we're on the same level," Flick admitted. "I believe in my team, but today we didn't show our best side. After 35 minutes, PSG took control of the match. I don't think we played to our full potential. But that's also important in the Champions League. They deserved the win."

Flick pointed to fatigue as a factor in Barcelona's struggles during the second half, where PSG dominated possession and created the more dangerous opportunities.

"I think you could see in the second half that some players were very tired," he explained. "When you're a bit tired, it shows on the pitch. But everyone gave their all on the pitch. With the score at 1-1, you have to have better structure in defence. We have to learn and improve."

The German manager also emphasised the importance of maintaining defensive organisation and making better use of possession, praising PSG's ability to exploit spaces and impose their game.

"We lacked structure in the second half," Flick said. "But when I see a player like Eric (Garcia), who had a fantastic game, I love it. We have to train, improve, and it helps us a lot for the future."

"You have to hold out for 90