Hansi Flick identifies Barcelona’s biggest problem after Real Madrid defeat: ‘We weren’t fresh’

Hansi Flick identifies Barcelona’s biggest problem after Real Madrid defeat: ‘We weren’t fresh’Hansi Flick has admitted Barcelona were not physically fresh enough after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the first El Clasico of the 2026/27 season. The Barcelona manager refused to make excuses after his side lost at home, but acknowledged that fatigue, defensive injuries and a demanding schedule have affected the team’s performances.The defeat was Barcelona’s first in 10 La Liga matches and their second loss in the same week. Flick has now challenged his players to recover quickly, improve their energy levels and respond before the international break, while also considering further opportunities for La Masia prospects amid growing defensive concerns.Flick admits Barcelona lacked freshness against Real MadridFlick was disappointed with Barcelona’s performance and acknowledged that Real Madrid had improved compared with previous meetings between the rivals.“We played against an opponent that was better than in previous Clásicos. We weren’t fresh. We have to recover, concentrate, and react.Flick admits Barcelona were not fresh. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)“It’s not easy, but we have to accept it. Barça has to keep going.”The German manager also explained that Barcelona need to recover the physical sharpness they displayed earlier in the campaign.“Well, we have to try to switch off and forget about training. We need to regain the freshness we had in the previous matches of the season.”Flick felt Barcelona had performed better after the interval and had managed to restore parity, but their attacking commitment ultimately left them exposed to Madrid’s decisive counter-attack.“I’m not satisfied. Today it was clear we weren’t 100% fresh. Normally we would have been fresher. We played well in the second half, and Madrid only had two chances to score a second goal.“We controlled the game and scored to make it 1-1. In the end, we pressed high, and they countered and scored. “It’s not good for us, but we have to accept it. Defeats are also part of football,” Flick said.The result has increased the pressure on Barcelona to respond, although Flick insisted that one defeat should not define the team’s campaign.“It’s our first defeat in ten league matches. We’re not playing at our best, and it’s related to freshness. “We have a week to prepare for the next match. We need to get the team’s energy back.”Flick refuses to make excuses after two defeatsBarcelona’s recent results have raised questions about their ability to deliver in major matches. Barcelona suffered their first defeat of the La Liga season. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)Flick acknowledged the concerns and said the team needed to discuss what had gone wrong rather than look for explanations outside its control.“There are no arguments, no excuses – it’s clear. We need to talk. I’m not worried about it in general because, as I said before, it’s part of the sport.“We’ve had two defeats this week and that’s too many for me, and, no doubt, for the Barça fans as well. But this is part of the sport and we have to bounce back.”The manager also addressed the demanding travel schedule after Barcelona’s trip to Seville, although he was reluctant to use it to explain the Clasico loss. Several players are due to attend the Ballon d’Or Gala in London before returning to training.“In Seville, we spent three hours on the plane, then we stayed there to sleep. But I don’t want to talk about that now if we’ve lost.“Perhaps I’ll do so when we win, because it might sound like an excuse. Now many players will be going to London for the Ballon d’Or Gala, and they’ll be back. We’ll rest on Tuesday and get back to work on Wednesday.“I want to win both matches before the international break – it’s important. “Players like Espart, Olmo and Eric have picked up knocks and are injured. We don’t have many more options in defence and we’ll have to manage it.”Flick considers La Masia options amid defensive injury concernsBarcelona’s injury problems could force Flick to look towards the club’s academy as he attempts to manage the squad through the coming fixtures. Flick admits Barcelona might have to call up players from the youth team. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)With defensive options limited, the manager is hoping some injured players will return soon enough to ease the pressure.“We may have to call up more players from La Masia. We’ll sort it out. We’re expecting Christensen and Eric back soon. And we’ll see if we have any good news.”Flick also explained why Frenkie de Jong was introduced during the match, pointing to the midfielder’s recent training performances and the boost he could provide to the team.“We’ve been thinking about where to position him on the pitch. He’d been training well, he was giving us a boost, so we decided to bring him on and give him some playing time,” he concluded.Source: AS