Henry: Continuing to press high up the pitch will not work. Barcelona cannot win the Champions League with this kind of defense.

Hupu November 06 News In the fourth round of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League, Barcelona drew 3-3 with Bruges. This result intensified the outside debate about Barcelona coach Flick's tactical plan.

The German coach's tactics are based on high defense and strong pressure on the opponent's ball carrier, which was one of the keys to his success last season. However, by the end of last season, opponents had gradually learned how to restrain it. This season, despite acknowledging that the system needs to be adjusted, Flick has stuck to his brave style, but that style is extremely fragile when the opponent succeeds in breaking through the first line of pressure. In Bruges this idea completely collapsed.

Former French star Henry questioned Flick's tactics. He said on CBSSports: "How long are we going to keep repeating the same thing? I understand you want to press, but you also need to defend off the ball and protect your penalty area. It's not just about pressing and winning the ball back, especially when the opponent is attacking your defense from the left and right flanks."

" Continued Barcelona will never win the Champions League if they continue like this. It was proven last season against Benfica and against Inter Milan. It is also true against PSG this season and now against Bruges. I played for Barcelona and I don’t want to talk about Barcelona like this, but you can’t expect to score three or four goals in every game. This kind of defense will not work.”