Flick says Barcelona’s lack of freshness proved costly in El Clasico defeat

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick said fatigue and a demanding schedule contributed to his side’s 2-1 home defeat by Real Madrid, while insisting the fixture list could not be used to excuse the result.

Real Madrid won at Barcelona in the 10th round of La Liga, leaving Flick frustrated by what he felt was a lack of physical sharpness from his players.

“Do you only watch the matches?” Flick said angrily. “We play here and there, and sometimes there are only two days between matches.”

The German highlighted the difficulties created by Barcelona’s travel schedule. On one journey to Seville, the team’s flight remained in the air for three hours before the party decided to return to the hotel and spend the night there. The squad then travelled directly to Paris on Monday.

Flick acknowledged that discussing the schedule after a defeat might sound like an attempt to find an excuse. However, he said he did not want to justify the loss and would rather raise the issue after victories, when his comments would not be interpreted as an effort to avoid responsibility.

The main problem he identified during the match was the absence of freshness and energy among his players. Restoring their physical condition will be a priority, particularly with three matches still to play before the international break.

Barcelona’s international players will be given two days off, while the rest of the squad will train each day according to the planned programme. The team will then have Tuesday off before beginning preparations for their next fixture.

Flick said recovery would depend not only on the coaching staff but also on the players’ own approach away from the training ground. He stressed the importance of rehabilitation, proper nutrition and sufficient sleep, adding that every player had to make the right decisions off the pitch if Barcelona were to compete and win matches.

The manager admitted that Barcelona could not ignore the defeat and said he was disappointed by the outcome. Nevertheless, he felt the team improved after half-time, particularly after making it 1-1.

At that stage, Barcelona managed to control the game, according to Flick, although he believed they were unlucky at key moments. Real Madrid ultimately secured victory after taking advantage of the opportunities available to them.

Flick also praised Real Madrid’s performance, saying they defended effectively and denied Barcelona the space required to create danger. The result, he said, underlined once again the importance of physical readiness and clinical finishing in major matches.