Barcelona turn to shared meal as Hansi Flick demands unity after double defeat

Barcelona have used a team barbecue and private discussions away from the cameras to rebuild their unity after defeats by Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid left Hansi Flick’s side in need of a fresh start.

The German manager and his squad held a meeting on Wednesday, alongside the full coaching staff, in an attempt to strengthen relationships within the group and prepare for a demanding run of fixtures.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the gathering at the Joan Gamper Sports City was about more than providing a break from football. It followed a photography session for a promotional event and was held away from media attention, with the players and staff seeking to reconnect after two damaging results.

Barcelona suffered their first defeat of the season against Paris Saint-Germain, losing 4-2 at Parc des Princes in the Champions League. They then lost the clasico 2-1 to Real Madrid at Camp Nou in La Liga.

The next three matches before the international break all carry the same requirement: Barcelona must rediscover the form and collective strength shown during their opening 11 victories.

They face Deportivo Alaves at Camp Nou in La Liga on 31 October at 21:00, before hosting Aston Villa in the Champions League on 3 November at the same time. Their final match before the break is away to Atletico Madrid at Wanda Metropolitano on 8 November, also at 21:00.

Mundo Deportivo reported that the idea for the barbecue came from the team’s captains, led by Raphinha and Rodri. They agreed to stay at the club’s facilities after the morning training session held in preparation for the match against Deportivo Alaves.

Barcelona declined to say whether the meal had been arranged in advance or had followed the disappointment of the two consecutive defeats.

The barbecue lasted about an hour and a half. “Teams are not built only on the whiteboard, but also through conversations around a table, away from cameras and lights, in the course of normal conversation,” Mundo Deportivo wrote.

A source inside the Catalan club told the newspaper: “It is not about erasing what happened, but coming to terms with it together.”

Since arriving, Flick has repeatedly said that the foundation of the team’s success is togetherness. Barcelona have won five trophies in two years under the club’s recent period of success: two La Liga titles, two Spanish Super Cups and the Copa del Rey.

“The dressing room is a family,” Flick has said on several occasions, stressing that the squad’s regular starters and those with supporting roles are equally important to the team.

Flick must now rebuild a side affected by a series of injuries, particularly in defence. Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen are continuing their recoveries, while Jules Kounde is working to return in time.

The manager will look to select his strongest possible team as Barcelona try to avoid dropping more points to their nearest La Liga rivals. Atletico Madrid are two points behind, while Real Madrid have reduced the gap to three points.