Hansi Flick is far from satisfied with what he has seen from his FC Barcelona team in recent weeks.
The Blaugrana have been far from their best, collecting just five points from five La Liga matches, allowing Real Madrid to close the gap to the top.
However, it is not just a matter of results, though that is part of the issue, but more importantly, it is also about the factors that have led his players to those results.
Flick identifies root cause
Now, as per SPORT, together with his coaching staff, Flick has analysed everything within his control and has concluded that the team is lacking physical freshness, something that is ultimately affecting their performance on the field.
The system implemented by the German coach demands that all players be at their best physically, and without that, the team’s overall performance suffers.
Flick believes that several other factors have contributed to Barcelona earning only five points from the last fifteen in La Liga, particularly related to focus and the ability to maintain intensity for the full ninety minutes.
Barcelona have not been at their best in recent games. (Photo by MANAURE QUINTERO/AFP via Getty Images)
This lack of concentration has resulted in costly mistakes. The coach has been addressing this in team talks, with the main aim being to regain the competitive spirit the team had earlier in the season.
Simultaneously, Flick recognizes that in order to rediscover the intensity and hunger of the early months, the team must be physically prepared.
This is why, on Monday, the players did not train on the pitch at the Ciutat Esportiva, opting instead for a gym session.
The rationale behind this decision was twofold: first, to save the aerobic effort that comes with outdoor training, and second, to focus on strength exercises that could improve their physical performance during matches.
Flick is determined to find a way for his team to return to the exuberant form they showed earlier in the season, something that has been noticeably missing in recent games.
Following their 2-2 draw against Real Betis over the weekend, Barcelona will take on Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League in a couple of days.