FC Barcelona is going through one of its most turbulent moments of the season after the humiliating 4-0 defeat suffered at the Cívitas Metropolitano against Atlético de Madrid, in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals. The win, which included an own goal from Eric García and goals from Antoine Griezmann, Ademola Lookman and Julián Álvarez, has unleashed an internal storm in the Blaugrana club.

According to sources close to the management environment, president Joan Laporta had lost patience with one of the footballers who, in his opinion, directly contributed to the defensive collapse and caused the second and third goals of the match.

In a context of high tension, Laporta would have transmitted a blunt message to his coach Hansi Flick: “Tell him to pack his bags and leave my club immediately, because I DO NOT TOLERATE lazy players… I cannot be paying him a high salary and not obtain a benefit from it.” These words, which have circulated strongly on social networks and specialized media, reflect the anger of the top culé leader at what he considers a lack of commitment and professionalism at a key moment in the campaign.

The player in question, valued at around 30 million pounds upon his arrival or in the current market, would have seriously disappointed in the first half of the match, where Barça was completely dominated and conceded four goals before the break.

German coach Hansi Flick found himself in a difficult position after the final whistle. In a press conference, the coach acknowledged that Atlético gave them “a great lesson” and admitted that the first half was disastrous, with individual and collective errors that facilitated the mattress comeback that was impossible in the tie. Flick, known for his demands and discipline, had already shown on previous occasions his willingness to make drastic decisions with players who do not perform at the expected level.

Now, pressure from the presidency seems to have accelerated a process that many saw coming: the forced sale of an element that does not fit into the sports project.

The identity of the footballer has not been officially confirmed by the club, but suspicions point to a defender or midfielder who participated in the actions prior to the goals conceded. In the post-match analysis, several experts highlighted failures in pressing, ball losses and lack of intensity in individual duels, aspects that Laporta interprets as “laziness” and lack of dedication. “A high salary cannot be allowed to be paid without sports revenue,” the president reportedly insisted in internal conversations, according to leaks that have reached the Catalan press.

This ultimatum comes at a delicate moment for Barcelona. Joan Laporta, who recently presented his statutory resignation in order to run in the March 15 elections, maintains public support for Flick and the project, but does not hide his frustration over results like that of the Metropolitan. In statements after the match, the manager pointed out the refereeing as an aggravating factor, but internal sources assure that the main focus is on the individual performance of the squad. “All my support to Hansi Flick, the players, Deco and his team.

With the strength of all the culés, I am convinced that we have a historic opportunity to achieve a great comeback at the Camp Nou on March 3,” said Laporta, trying to close ranks. However, the private message to the coach contrasts with the official version and reveals divisions in the leadership.

Hansi Flick, for his part, has avoided going into details about imminent departures, but his history at Bayern Munich shows that he does not hesitate to remove anyone he considers expendable. In several market windows, the German has asked for greater control over the squad and has insisted on the need for total commitment. Laporta’s order could force him to accelerate an exit operation that, if completed, would free up wage bill and generate income necessary to balance the club’s accounts, even under financial restrictions.

The Blaugrana dressing room is experiencing hours of uncertainty. After the fight at half-time – where Flick did not spare the team for its passivity – several players were visibly affected. The defeat has been described as Flick’s “worst night” on the culé bench, and the Spanish press has not hesitated to point out shared responsibilities between the coach, staff and management. However, the emphasis on a specific “lazy player” has fueled rumors and debates among fans, dividing opinions between those who support Laporta’s heavy hand and those who believe that the blame is collective.

Big decisions are coming up at Barça. The return of the tie against Atlético represents a litmus test: an epic comeback would be the best balm to calm the waters, while another disappointment could precipitate drastic movements in the winter market or even in the management structure. Laporta, aware that his electoral future depends in part on sporting success, seems willing to take unpopular measures to demonstrate firmness.

The case also highlights the persistent tensions between the presidency and the coaching staff in a club where expectations are very high. Flick arrived with the mission of recovering Barcelona’s competitive identity, and so far has shown positive results in La Liga and other competitions, but setbacks like the one at the Metropolitano expose vulnerabilities. The demand to sell a “failure” footballer for £30m – a label many consider exaggerated – could be the trigger for a deeper restructuring.

While the culés fans prepare to fill the Camp Nou in search of the feat, Laporta’s message resonates as a warning: at Barça there is no room for complacency. The board hopes that this shake-up will serve to wake up the team and prevent the season from completely falling apart. Time is short, decisions are imminent and the immediate future of the club involves resolving this internal crisis quickly and forcefully.

Next March 3, the Spotify Camp Nou will witness whether Barcelona manages to reverse the 4-0 deficit or if, on the contrary, the storm caused by the presidential anger ends with forced departures and more convulsions. For now, the ultimatum is given: suitcases ready for those who do not meet the required standard. Barça, once again, has much more at stake than a title.