Hansi Flick Grants Barcelona Players Time Off After El Clasico Defeat Amid Burnout Concerns

Hansi Flick, the manager of Barcelona, has decided to give his first-team squad a two-day break after their tough 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the El Clasico. This pause is meant for players to recover both physically and mentally after a demanding stretch that has seen the team falter on several fronts.

Rest Comes After Back-to-Back Losses

Reports from Spanish outlet SPORT reveal that Flick offered the squad this rest following their loss at the weekend. This defeat ended Barcelona’s unbeaten run in La Liga, with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice for Real Madrid to hand Barcelona a painful setback domestically. This came shortly after a 4-2 Champions League defeat against Paris Saint-Germain, where Flick observed a notable dip in his team’s usual sharpness. Instead of rushing into tactical fixes, he prioritized recovery, instructing the squad to avoid training until Wednesday to ensure they return refreshed.

Lamine Yamal Shines at Ballon d'Or Ceremony While Some Focus on Recovery

During the rest period, some players like Lamine Yamal, Joan Garcia, and Rodri traveled to London to attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony. Meanwhile, defender Pau Cubarsi chose to skip the event, concentrating on his physical recovery instead. Despite the team's recent setbacks, it was a memorable night for Yamal, who placed third in the Ballon d’Or rankings behind winner Harry Kane and runner-up Mbappe. He also secured his third consecutive Kopa Trophy but humbly credited teammate Cubarsi, highlighting the defender’s excellent form and recognition as World Cup young player of the year.

Travel Issues and Fatigue Impact Squad

Flick’s worry about player exhaustion has been growing for nearly two weeks. Problems began after a trip to Seville, when bad weather delayed their return, leaving the squad stuck on a plane for over an hour before returning to their hotel. This delay drastically shortened recovery time ahead of their important European match in Paris. Combined with injuries and a packed schedule, fatigue took its toll. Flick believes that a full mental break and sticking to strict diet plans are necessary to regain the energy that had defined their early season.

Focus Shifts to Tactical Adjustments Before Alaves Match

The team will return to training on Wednesday, shifting focus to tactical reviews and fixing mistakes exposed by PSG and Real Madrid. Flick hopes this break will reset the squad so they can quickly get back into rhythm as they prepare for their next La Liga game against Alaves.

Upcoming Matches

• Barcelona vs Alaves – La Liga, 31 Oct 2026, 22:00
• San Sebastian vs Real Madrid – La Liga, 01 Nov 2026, 17:15