Flick calls for Barcelona response after El Clasico defeat

Hansi Flick has called on Barcelona to respond positively after their 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid at the Spotify Camp Nou, admitting that his side lacked the energy and sharpness needed to win the first El Clasico of the season. The result ended Barcelona’s run of nine consecutive La Liga victories and left the Catalans with plenty to reflect on ahead of their next fixture.

The German coach acknowledged that Barcelona created opportunities but failed to maintain the fluidity that had characterised their performances earlier in the campaign. He was particularly disappointed with the defensive lapse that allowed Kylian Mbappe to score the decisive goal late in the match, after Raphinha had brought the hosts level in the second half.

Flick also pointed to the demanding schedule as a factor in his players’ performance, with Barcelona having suffered a 4-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League earlier in the week. However, he made it clear that fatigue would not serve as an excuse, insisting that the team must analyse its mistakes and improve.

The Barcelona manager believes his players need time to recover physically and mentally before returning to action. Despite the disappointment of losing to their biggest rivals, Flick remains focused on the long season ahead and wants his team to regain the freshness and confidence that helped them make such a strong start to the campaign.