After a rather successful 2024-2025 season, FC Barcelona were under pressure to perform this season. Hansi Flick's team, which showed great promise last year, hoped to win La Liga again and go all the way in the Champions League, ten years after their last triumph. To achieve this goal, the German manager was able to count on the arrival of several reinforcements, notably Marcus Rashford, Roony Bardghji, and Joan Garcia. But things haven't gone according to plan this season; quite the opposite.
After 10 matchdays and a Clasico defeat, Barça already finds itself 5 points behind its rival and La Liga leader, Real Madrid. Moreover, the Barcelona squad, exemplified by the recurring injury of Lamine Yamal, is decimated by injuries. In just three months of competition, 13 players have already suffered an injury, and Hansi Flick is currently without Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Dani Olmo. This situation illustrates the physical struggles of the team this season. This Saturday, RAC1 reported that data reveals a significant decline in physical performance compared to last season. And this drop in form is logically impacting the team's performance, especially with an energy-intensive style of play like Hansi Flick's.
The players are grinding their teeth
This situation is starting to cause serious frustration internally, particularly among the players. The reason? They are complaining about the very limited time allotted for strength training and gym workouts. Several players have decided to stop training at the training center after sessions and prefer to go home to continue with their own private personal trainers for more detailed monitoring and better support.
The Catalan media outlet explains that the players have already expressed their dissatisfaction to the club, stating that they don't understand how their physical preparation is being managed. Internally, the club has decided to defuse the controversy, explaining that the staff, led by physical trainer Julio Tous, is confident they can rectify the situation in the near future. The club stated that it has identified the shortcomings and concerns raised by the players and should therefore address them soon. But for now, the players are fuming. And with the upcoming fixtures on top of the international break, they'll have to hold on tight…
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