Barcelona manager Hansi Flick says his side must accept their demanding fixture list rather than look for excuses as they approach a hectic end to October.

The Spanish champions have won all 10 of their matches this season, including eight in LaLiga and two in the UEFA Champions League. Flick, however, is refusing to ease the pressure on his players as they prepare for a difficult trip to Real Betis.

Real Betis have been defeated only once in all competitions this season, while Barcelona will be strengthened by the return of club captain Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong following injury.

The match in Seville begins a challenging run for Barcelona, who will play five times before the November international break. That sequence includes meetings with El Clasico rivals Real Madrid and reigning European champions PSG.

Flick said Barcelona had experienced similar demands in previous seasons and that the current schedule could not be used as an excuse.

“We've had this situation every season. Several similar situations have occurred over the last two seasons. I remember when we had to take a bus back to Barcelona from Valencia because our flight was cancelled, and we had a game two days later.

“The quality of everyone is incredible, and everyone is focused, which is what we all want to see. We have room for improvement. We have to accept the situation.”

Barcelona’s unbeaten start has put them in a strong position, but Flick’s comments underline the need for the squad to maintain its concentration through a particularly congested period.

The return of Raphinha and De Jong provides further options for the manager ahead of the visit to Real Betis, before attention turns to the demanding fixtures against Real Madrid and PSG.