The 3-0 drubbing at Stamford Bridge was a wake-up call for Barcelona. It was a result that not only complicated the team’s Champions League path but also exposed cracks in a system that had looked imperious earlier in the campaign.
The pressure is mounting on Hansi Flick, but the German tactician remains defiant, promising a “different Barça” in the coming weeks.
To achieve this, Flick is pulling several sporting levers to reignite the season, reports Diario SPORT.
Emptying the Infirmary
The first boost is personnel. The return of Joan Garcia has stabilised the goal, while Raphinha is now ready to start.
Crucially, Pedri is set to be available against Alaves, leaving only Ter Stegen and Gavi on the sidelines. This depth allows Flick to rotate during a congested schedule.
The Lamine Yamal Factor
The team’s offensive heartbeat, Lamine Yamal, has been hampered by pubalgia, missing five games, including the loss to Sevilla.
Lamine Yamal, Barcelona star
Barcelona are counting on Lamine Yamal to provide the goods going forward. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
But a specific recovery plan is paying off, with his performances improving weekly. However, the club are concerned about the hostility he faces away from home.
This was visible at Chelsea, Brugge, and the Bernabeu, where he has become public enemy number one.
The January Surge and Camp Nou
Last season, Flick’s side endured a poor November before exploding in January to win the domestic treble.
The coaching staff is convinced a similar physical peak will arrive in 2026, just in time for the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.
This coincides with the emotional boost of returning to the Spotify Camp Nou, which the squad aims to turn into an impregnable fortress for upcoming clashes against Eintracht and Copenhagen.
Defensive Reset
Finally, Flick privately regrets the exit of Inigo Martinez, and the team is leaking too many goals.
The German tactician insists that it is important to improve defensively if Barcelona are to return to form and compete in both La Liga and the Champions League.