'Two Defeats and We're Not Happy': Hansi Flick Admits Barcelona Lacked Freshness in Clasico Loss to Real Madrid
Hansi Flick has made no effort to disguise his frustration after Barcelona followed a midweek Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain with a 2-1 loss to Real Madrid in La Liga's Clasico, admitting his side simply lacked the sharpness to get the job done.
The defeat was Barcelona's first in La Liga this season, ending a nine-game winning run in the league, and it came just days after the Catalans were beaten at home in Europe.
Flick: 'We lacked freshness'
Speaking after the match, Flick was blunt about the performance and the wider picture.
"It's two defeats and we're not happy. We're disappointed. The first half wasn't good, we improved in the second after it was 1-1. We lacked freshness. It's our first defeat in LaLiga. We'd won nine games in a row and this happens. Defeats are part of this sport. We have to analyze and improve, and we will. It's important to react," he said.
The Barcelona boss acknowledged the quality of the opposition and pointed to the physical toll of a punishing schedule.
"I'd say it's clear we played against a high-quality opponent who did very well without the ball. We lacked freshness. These past few weeks, after the match against Betis... haven't been easy. We need to rest and respond to the defeat. And we will. When you lose, it's not all bad. But there's still a long way to go, and these things happen. This should make us reflect and improve."
No excuses after back-to-back losses
Flick refused to hide behind the travel and recovery demands of a congested calendar, saying the responsibility for the dip lies with him and his players.
"I don't think this defeat will create any doubts within the team. Everyone knows the situation. We didn't play our best today, but in big games, details decide the outcome. That's how the scales tip, and today luck wasn't on our side," he added.
"We have to improve. After these defeats, there are no excuses. But I know what we need to improve on. I'm not worried because this is part of the game and the sport. Two defeats are too many for me and all Barca fans. Especially in the Clasico. We don't want to lose.
"You only see the matches, but being on a plane for three hours in Seville, returning to the hotel... then going to Paris... it's a lot. But I don't want to talk about this when we lose; it's better when we win. And I won't accept excuses. I'm telling the truth: today we weren't fresh, and we need to change that."
The Clasico setback came on the back of a 4-2 Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain. As reported on 21 October 2026, Flick said Barcelona could take lessons from that European defeat to the holders, praising young defender Xavi Espart while awaiting news on an injury to Dani Olmo.
Rest, recovery and three games before the break
With a busy run of fixtures looming, Flick laid out his recovery plan for the squad and set his sights on a clean sweep before the international pause.
"The players will have two days off after training tomorrow. Some will go to the London event. I want everyone to be fresh and make the right decisions regarding nutrition, sleep, and recovery. There are three matches before the break. I want to win every match and every title."
Flick said his team would rest and then go all out to win against Alaves, Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid, insisting the response, not the result, will define Barcelona's season from here.