Hansi Flick demanded Barcelona show their quality on a more consistent basis after their 2-2 draw at Real Betis left them vulnerable at the top of LaLiga.
Barca took the lead twice at the Benito Villamarin Stadium through goals from Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, but Betis fought back through Giovani Lo Celso and substitute Assane Diao to take a share of the points.
After the draw, Flick's side have 38 points from 17 games, but second-placed rivals Real Madrid, who have 33 points, can overtake them if they can win their two games in a row.
“It wasn't a good match. We are a young team and we have to improve a lot,” Flick told reporters.
“We have to be stronger, especially when we play away. We have quality, but we have to show it in every match. We could have played better.”
“But we were slow in passing, with a lot of long balls… that's not what we want and not our strength. We have to focus on our strengths and what we have to do.”
4 – No team has dropped more points through winning positions than FC Barcelona in LaLiga since the beginning of November 2024 (4, same as Osasuna). Fatigue. pic.twitter.com/DEBXzce8lL
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) December 7, 2024
Flick was shown a red card in the second half for protesting after Betis were awarded a penalty, with VAR intervening to punish Frenkie De Jong's tackle on Vitor Roque.
The former Bayern boss believes he did nothing wrong but said he has no intention of appealing the red card.
“Marcus [Sorg]my assistant, did a good job. We scored a goal with him on the sideline,” Flick said.
“I didn't say anything to anyone, it was just my reaction. It took me a long time to decide whether it was a penalty or not.
“If you need that much time, it can be questionable. I disagree with my broadcast. It's never happened to me before. I got angry at myself, not at anyone else.'
Barcelona then travel to Germany for a Champions League meeting with Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday before hosting Leganes in LaLiga on December 15.
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