Hansi Flick has admitted Barcelona lacked the energy to compete at their best after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in El Clásico, bringing their nine-match winning run in LaLiga to an end.
The Barcelona manager acknowledged that his team fell short in a contest decided by crucial moments, with Real Madrid taking advantage to secure a significant victory at the Camp Nou on Sunday.
The defeat marked Barcelona’s first dropped points in the league this season and left Flick facing questions about his team’s performance, fitness and ability to respond after consecutive losses.
“We’re disappointed because we lacked freshness” he said. “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. Defeats are part of football. We have to analyse what happened, do things better, and that’s what we’ll do.”
Flick pointed to a lack of freshness as a major factor behind Barcelona’s struggles, suggesting his players did not have the energy required to impose themselves against their fierce rivals. In a fixture where small details often determine the outcome, the German believes his side failed to make the most of key moments.
The Barcelona boss also stressed that the result must serve as a lesson rather than derail the team’s campaign. With the season continuing at a demanding pace, he wants his players to recover properly, assess their mistakes and return with a stronger response.
The loss has increased the pressure on Barcelona to rediscover their best form, particularly after another defeat in recent matches. Flick made it clear that the team’s reaction will matter more than dwelling on the disappointment.
“What matters now is how we react. We have to refocus. Everyone needs to make the right decisions. Rest properly, train well and respond to these defeats.”
Injuries have also become a growing concern for the Catalan club. Flick revealed that the situation worsened after defender Xavi Espart suffered another setback, adding to the challenges facing the team as they attempt to recover from their recent results.
“the injuries are the biggest concern”
There was, however, a positive development with Frenkie de Jong returning to action. The midfielder’s comeback offers Barcelona another option as they look to regain control in the middle of the pitch and restore balance to their performances.
“he’s trained very well and will be useful to us.”
De Jong’s return could prove valuable as Barcelona prepare for their upcoming fixtures, especially with Flick seeking greater energy and consistency from his squad. The manager will hope his players can recover quickly and avoid allowing the El Clásico defeat to trigger a prolonged dip in form.
For Real Madrid, the victory delivered a major result against their rivals. For Barcelona, it exposed concerns over fitness, injuries and execution at a decisive stage of the match.
Flick’s message was direct: Barcelona must learn from the setback, recover physically and respond on the pitch. Their ability to do so will shape how quickly they move beyond a painful El Clásico loss.
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