Hansi Flick blames Barcelona’s lack of freshness after El Clasico defeat

Hansi Flick said Barcelona’s physical fatigue affected their performance in Sunday’s 2-1 home defeat by Real Madrid, while insisting the demanding schedule should not be used as an excuse for losing El Clasico.

Barcelona were beaten in La Liga’s 10th round, despite improving after the interval and taking control for a period following their equaliser. Flick said the clearest issue he saw was a lack of freshness and energy among his players.

“You only watch the matches? We play here and there, and sometimes there are only two days between matches,” the Barcelona manager said angrily.

Flick pointed to the difficulties involved in the club’s recent travelling schedule. On one journey to Seville, Barcelona’s travelling party spent three hours on the plane before deciding to return to their hotel and stay overnight. The team then travelled directly to Paris on Monday.

The German acknowledged that discussing the fixture list after a defeat could appear to be an attempt to find an excuse. However, he said he was not trying to justify the result and would rather raise the issue after victories, so his comments could not be interpreted as an attempt to avoid responsibility.

Flick said restoring the squad’s physical condition would be a priority, with three matches remaining before the international break. He outlined a plan that will see the club’s international players given two days off, while the rest of the squad continue with daily training under the scheduled programme.

The whole team will have Tuesday off before preparations begin for the next match.

According to Flick, recovery will require more than work from the coaching staff. He said the players themselves must show commitment to rehabilitation and recovery, maintain proper nutrition and get enough sleep.

“Everyone has to make the right decisions away from the pitch so that we can compete and win matches,” he said.

Flick admitted Barcelona could not ignore the defeat and expressed his disappointment with the outcome. He nevertheless felt the side improved after half-time, particularly after making the score 1-1, when Barcelona were able to control the match for a period.

He added that his players had been unlucky at certain moments, but credited Real Madrid for the way they defended. The visitors, Flick said, defended effectively and denied Barcelona the space required to create danger.

Real Madrid ultimately secured victory in a match that again underlined the importance of physical readiness and taking chances in major fixtures.