FC Barcelona manager Hansi Flick pointed to defensive injuries and a lack of fortune following a defeat to Real Madrid at the Spotify Camp Nou, elmundo.es reported. The home loss on October 26, 2026, snapped a nine-match winning streak in La Liga and arrived just days after a Champions League reverse against Paris Saint-Germain.
Defensive Injuries Strain Squad Depth
Flick told reporters after the clásico that his squad is operating with minimal defensive reserves. The manager noted that only four defenders remain available for selection, forcing him to consider promoting players from La Masia or the club’s B team. The defensive crisis deepened when Xavi Espart sustained an injury during the match following a strong challenge from Tchouaméni, leaving the player sidelined for an estimated seven weeks.
Congested Fixture Schedule Tolls Players Physical Freshness
The German coach also highlighted the physical toll of a congested fixture schedule. Flick detailed a taxing travel sequence that included being three hours in the plane in Seville following a fixture against Real Betis, an overnight hotel stay, and subsequent travel to Paris for European competition. While declining to use the travel burden as an excuse for the result, Flick conceded that his players lacked physical freshness on the pitch.
Flick Outlines Recovery Protocols to Restore Squad Energy
To restore squad energy ahead of upcoming fixtures, Flick outlined recovery protocols. Players were granted a day off on Tuesday to ensure proper rest, followed by three days to prepare for the weekend match. The manager emphasized that professional standards regarding sleep, nutrition, and recovery must be maintained during off-hours.
Reaction to Consecutives Defeats
Despite dropping consecutive matches in domestic and European play, Flick insisted the results would not breed doubt within the dressing room. “We didn’t play well, the big games are decided by small details and, this time, luck was not on our side,” Flick said, adding that the team aims to win its next three matches before the upcoming international break.
🗣️ HANSI FLICK PRAISES ARDA GÜLER OF EL CLÁSICO! 👀Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has highlighted the quality of Real Madrid star Arda Güler, describing him as one of the best players when it comes to set-pieces.Flick admitted that Barcelona have been preparing specifically to… pic.twitter.com/kZDAs990ax
