Hansi Flick takes ‘blame’ for Barcelona’s 4-2 loss to Osasuna after rotation gamble

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick accepted full responsibility for his team’s 4-2 defeat to Osasuna on Saturday.

Sadly, the away loss snapped their seven-game LaLiga winning streak.

Flick made five changes to the starting lineup, including resting key players like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, after a midweek win against Getafe.

The rotation, aimed at managing player fatigue, backfired as Barça suffered their first league loss of the season.

“We had a lot of changes in the team and this is maybe one reason for [the performance], but it was necessary,” Flick admitted.

“If you want to blame someone for this defeat, blame me,” he added.

Barcelona fell behind early to Ante Budimir’s header in the 18th minute and conceded a second goal to Bryan Zaragoza before halftime.

Although Pau Víctor scored his first goal for Barcelona after the break, Budimir’s penalty and Abel Bretones’ long-range strike sealed the victory for Osasuna.

Yamal’s late goal in the second half was little more than a consolation.

Despite the defeat, Barcelona remain four points clear at the top of the table, with Real Madrid and Atlético set to face off in the Madrid derby on Sunday.