Barcelona coach Hansi Flick found himself in the midst of controversy after being sent off in the 2-2 draw against Real Betis. The match, which saw both teams share the spoils, ended on a bitter note for the German coach.
The 58-year-old was shown a red card by the referee in the dying minutes of the game for his continued remonstrations from the touchline. It was a moment that encapsulated the frustration that has been building within the Barcelona camp all season.
Speaking to the press after the match, a visibly agitated Flick stated 'we need to improve' - a stark admission that Barcelona are no longer the powerhouse they once were. It is not the first time this season that the former Bayern Munich coach has expressed his discontent with his team's performances.
Friday's draw against Betis marked the seventh time this season that the Catalan giants have failed to win a match that they should have won comfortably on paper. It was a heartbreaking result for a team that is struggling to cope with the weight of expectations and pressure to deliver a major trophy.
And for Flick, it's now or never. He knows that if Barcelona are to have any hope of making a challenge for the top domestic titles, he needs to sort out the obvious issues that plague the team's preparations and overall strategy.