FC Barcelona enters a demanding nine-day stretch of fixtures starting this Saturday at 18:30 local time (16:30 UTC), facing a rigorous test of their strong start under manager Hansi Flick, elmundo.es reported. The sequence features three high-voltage encounters: a trip to face Real Betis—currently third in the La Liga standings—at La Cartuja, a UEFA Champions League clash against Luis Enrique’s Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes, and a home fixture against Real Madrid at the Spotify Camp Nou.
Flick Keeps Focus Fixed on Real Betis Amid Consecrated Fixture Clutter
Speaking ahead of the trip to Seville, the German coach made it clear that his squad refuses to look past their immediate test despite the looming European and domestic heavyweights on the horizon. “We are only focused on the next match, and I care very little about where each team is in the table,” Flick told reporters. “We are focused on Betis, on what we can do, and on playing at our highest level. These three games are important, they are relevant, but against Galatasaray we also did very well and it wasn’t easy.” Flick added that fixtures against PSG and Real Madrid do not alter his immediate tactical approach. He acknowledged that Manuel Pellegrini has engineered an exceptional run for the Verdiblancos, noting that Betis has won every home fixture across all competitions and features dangerous one-on-one attacking threats.
🔵🔴Hansi Flick is surprised and impressed by Real Betis winger Ez Abde after his strong performance in the 3-1 win at Camp Nou.Abde caused serious problems for Jules Koundé and even had a goal disallowed, enough to catch the manager’s eye. With left wing now Barcelona’s… pic.twitter.com/Ab6bPDFAiZ
Cautious Returns for Frenkie de Jong and Raphinha
Barcelona travels to Seville with squad reinforcements, recovering both Frenkie de Jong and Raphinha following respective injuries. However, Flick signaled a measured approach regarding their immediate utilization. Regarding the Brazilian winger, Flick noted that while the player insists he is ready to start, the technical staff must proceed step-by-step following his return to group training on Thursday. A similar philosophy applies to the Dutch midfielder. “I am delighted to have him back and at a good level, he gives us quality, but he comes from an injury, so we will see,” Flick stated. The manager also emphasized the necessity of managing the playing minutes of teenage forward Lamine Yamal to ensure his continued development and enjoyment on the pitch.
Defending the Schedule Without Excuses
Addressing the relentless pace of the football calendar, Flick declined to join managers such as José Mourinho in complaining about fixture congestion. Drawing on past travel disruptions, including a grueling bus ride back to Barcelona from Valencia following a canceled flight ahead of an immediate fixture, the manager maintained a strict policy against grievances. “We have gone through situations like this every season. I know that in some countries it may be different, but here it is how it is,” Flick said. “I always tell the team that there are no excuses.”
Barcelona plays Real Betis at La Cartuja on Saturday, October 17, 2026, before turning their attention to European competition in Paris.
