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Graham Hunter
Many Barcelona fans and admirers of Hansi Flick reacted with concern after witnessing the German coach’s demeanor on Saturday. The Spanish champions secured a 3-1 victory against Alavés at home, allowing them to move to the top of La Liga, despite the visitors striking first just 44 seconds into the match.
Flick was back at Camp Nou for only the second time since its reopening after extensive renovations. However, he appeared despondent, slumped in his seat long after the final whistle, with a vacant expression and what looked like tears in his eyes. One of his players, Raphinha, stood over him protectively, seemingly trying to console his boss—even after a win.
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Barcelona stated that their coach was frustrated by his inability to communicate with the fourth official, but many who follow the club interpreted his demeanor as a reflection of ongoing issues within the team. Despite his assurances that improvements would come, the same mistakes and lack of urgency persist. Additionally, he was disappointed by two of his assistants, Markus Sorg and José Ramon De La Fuente, receiving red cards. However, there may be another reason for his despair.
Flick witnessed his team struggle against Alavés’ nomadic striker, Lucas Boyé, and knew that an even stronger opponent was looming on the horizon.
That opponent is Atlético Madrid’s striker Alexander Sørloth, who resembles actor Alan Ritchson, notable for his role as Jack Reacher. In his style of play, Sørloth is similarly relentless—nobody who confronts him leaves the encounter unscathed.
This towering forward has been a key contributor alongside Erling Haaland in leading Norway to their first FIFA World Cup appearance this century, which adds to the growing list of reasons why even skeptics might consider Atlético Madrid contenders for the title this season.
Atlético’s coach, Diego Simeone, brings his team to Camp Nou on Tuesday, a venue they haven’t won at for nearly 20 years (with their last victory being in December at the Olympic Stadium). Whether Sørloth starts or comes off the bench, his eagerness to exploit the opportunity against Barcelona is undeniable.
Sørloth has previously triumphed against Barcelona while playing for Real Sociedad in 2023 and Villarreal last year, where he scored in a high-scoring 5-3 match that ultimately cost Flick’s predecessor, Xavi Hernández, his job. Sørloth also netted the winner against Flick’s side almost exactly a year ago, marking Atlético’s first victory at Camp Nou since 2006. Then, Fernando Torres was the imposing striker; now, Sørloth plays a similar role with just as much menace.
Could this be the reason for Flick’s gloomy expression despite Saturday’s win? Perhaps, but consider the stats.
The 6-foot-5 forward has faced Barcelona nine times, scoring six goals and providing three assists—his best record against any team in his lengthy 14-year career. Most of these impactful moments have occurred in away matches at Camp Nou or Montjuic.
Simeone doesn’t always align Sørloth with Julián Álvarez in his optimal Atlético lineup. There was a time last season when the two strikers struggled to connect. However, for this match, it would be folly not to pair them.
Last season, Sørloth outperformed the pricier and more acclaimed Alvarez, achieving 24 goals and two assists in 2,145 minutes across La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, and Copa del Rey, maintaining a remarkable goal contribution every 82.5 minutes. This season, he has four goals in just seven starts, underscoring his status as a formidable adversary.
Curious about what makes him so effective against Barcelona? Part of it stems from his childhood admiration for Didier Drogba, the former Chelsea striker who twice eliminated Barça in the Champions League.
“I was a Chelsea fan growing up, so he was by far my favorite striker,” Sørloth shared in an interview with FIFA earlier this year. “I admired his physical style of play. Even with difficult balls, he would bring them down and remain a threat.”
Sørloth’s background as a national champion in ice hockey and handball has also contributed to his toughness and competitive intellect. “I enjoy physical battles with defenders. I prefer confronting larger opponents; smaller ones tend to earn more fouls against me!”
The upcoming match could be critical in determining the title race this season. In the four encounters between Barça and Atleti last season, there were a total of 18 goals scored, with Barça often coming from behind but only losing once. With Real Madrid stumbling recently in a 1-1 draw against Girona, the winner on Tuesday will ascend to the top of La Liga.
Keep an eye on Flick during the match. He will be a bit more isolated in the dugout, as his assistants, Sorg and De La Fuente, will be suspended following their red cards in the Alavés match. Although his team has the same points total (34) after 14 games as they did during last season’s title-winning campaign, he remains disappointed, acknowledging, “We lack the control and intensity of last season.”
This should be music to the ears of Atlético’s towering Sørloth. Watch out, Barcelona—he’s coming for you!