Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said he will focus on a core group of players after back-to-back defeats that ended the club’s 11‑match winning run.
Season start – 11 straight victories
Barca opened the campaign with 11 consecutive wins, earning widespread praise for its attacking play and solid results.
First crucial week – travel to Paris
During the first important week, the team travelled to Paris to inspect the Champions League title‑holder’s training ground and prepared to host Real Madrid at the Camp Nou.
Strategic gamble – classic over Champions League
Flick opted for a line‑up that prioritized the upcoming El Clásico against Real Madrid, a decision that drew criticism as the club also faced a Champions League tie with Paris Saint‑Germain.
Back‑to‑back defeats – PSG and Real Madrid
Barcelona lost both matches, ending the unbeaten streak and prompting questions about the tactical shift.
Flick’s response – no excuses, focus on key players
“The defeats have not changed anything. We played our best football and there is no excuse,” Flick told reporters. “The results could have been different, but we are at the same level as Real Madrid and PSG. I am concentrating on the next games, not looking back at defeats or victories. We have enormous quality to achieve our goals: win the league and the Champions League. I am sure we can write our story.”
Current outlook
Flick says the squad will revert to a tighter core of trusted players as it seeks to regain momentum in La Liga and Europe.
Why it matters: The shift in strategy affects Barcelona’s title chase in Spain and its chances in the Champions League, competitions that draw massive regional interest and have financial implications for clubs across the Middle East and Egypt.