Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has admitted that a lack of physical freshness and a growing injury list are becoming major concerns after his side suffered a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in El Clásico, bringing their impressive nine-match winning streak in La Liga to an end.
The Catalan giants entered the highly anticipated encounter hoping to maintain their perfect domestic record, but they were unable to overcome their fierce rivals in a contest decided by fine margins.
The defeat marked Barcelona’s first dropped points in the league this season and their second consecutive loss across all competitions, leaving Flick with the task of restoring confidence and improving his team’s physical condition ahead of a demanding run of fixtures.
Although the result was disappointing, the German tactician insisted that his players must learn from the setback rather than allow it to undermine their progress.
Speaking after the match, Flick identified fatigue as one of the factors that prevented Barcelona from producing their usual level of performance.
“We’re disappointed because we lacked freshness,” Flick said, according to comments published on Barcelona’s official website.
The former Bayern Munich manager acknowledged that matches of El Clásico’s intensity are frequently decided by small details, with Barcelona failing to make the most of the opportunities available to them.
He also stressed the importance of analysing the defeat, correcting the team’s mistakes and responding positively to the disappointment.
“It’s our first defeat in La Liga after nine consecutive wins, but these things happen. In big games, the details are very important, and today they didn’t go our way,” Flick explained.
His comments reflected a recognition that Barcelona’s strong start to the campaign would not guarantee continued success, particularly against elite opposition capable of exploiting even minor defensive or tactical weaknesses.
The challenge now is to ensure that the defeat becomes a learning opportunity rather than the beginning of a prolonged dip in form.
Injury problems deepen Barcelona’s concerns
Beyond the disappointment of losing to their biggest rivals, Barcelona’s growing injury problems have emerged as a significant concern for Flick and his coaching staff.
Defender Xavi Espart suffered another fitness setback during the encounter, adding to the club’s concerns over squad availability at a crucial stage of the season.
Barcelona have been attempting to balance domestic and European commitments, and further injuries could complicate Flick’s efforts to maintain consistency across competitions.
The manager was particularly concerned about the number of players dealing with fitness issues, acknowledging that injuries currently represent one of the biggest challenges facing his team.
With a busy schedule approaching, Barcelona will need to assess their available options carefully while avoiding unnecessary risks with players who are not fully fit.
The situation also places greater importance on squad depth, particularly in defence, where injuries can force tactical adjustments and increase the workload on available players.
Flick will hope that the medical staff can help several players return to action as quickly as possible without compromising their recovery.
Frenkie de Jong’s return offers encouragement
Despite the setback, Barcelona received a positive boost with Frenkie de Jong returning to competitive action.
The Dutch midfielder’s availability provides Flick with another option in the middle of the pitch as the team looks to regain control of matches and improve its performance levels.
De Jong’s ability to retain possession, progress the ball and connect defence with attack could prove particularly valuable as Barcelona attempt to recover from their recent defeats.
Flick expressed confidence in the midfielder’s condition, pointing to his work on the training ground as an encouraging sign.
“He’s trained very well and will be useful to us,” the Barcelona manager said.
His return could help ease some of the pressure on the midfield, although Barcelona will still need to manage his workload carefully as he builds up his match fitness.
Barcelona face immediate test of character
Barcelona cannot afford to dwell on the El Clásico defeat for too long, with another demanding period approaching.
According to the supplied report, the Catalan side are scheduled to face Alavés in La Liga before hosting Aston Villa in the Champions League. Those fixtures will offer Flick an opportunity to assess his team’s response and determine whether the players can quickly rediscover their winning form.
The immediate priority will be improving physical sharpness, limiting defensive mistakes and ensuring that the available squad members are prepared for the demands of consecutive matches.
The end of Barcelona’s nine-game league winning streak is a setback, but it does not erase the progress made during their strong opening run.
However, the combination of consecutive defeats and mounting injury concerns presents Flick with a test that requires more than tactical adjustments alone.
Barcelona must find a way to manage fatigue, restore confidence and maintain their competitiveness while key players face fitness challenges.
For Flick, the message is clear: the defeat must be analysed, the team’s weaknesses must be addressed, and Barcelona must respond on the pitch.
The coming matches will reveal whether the Catalan giants can quickly recover from their El Clásico disappointment or whether their injury problems will continue to disrupt their momentum.
