Some Barcelona players have reportedly expressed a preference for spending more time at home between matches instead of staying in hotels, highlighting a difference of opinion over the team’s travel arrangements and recovery routines under manager Hansi Flick.

According to Barca Universal, citing information from ARA journalist Xavi Hernandez Navarro in a report published on October 30, 2026, certain members of the squad believe returning home would allow them to spend time with their families and enjoy greater comfort before their next fixtures.

The disagreement reportedly reflects contrasting views about how players should prepare and recover. While Flick favours closely managing the squad’s routines, some footballers feel that relaxing at home, sharing meals with relatives and sleeping in familiar surroundings could benefit their physical and mental wellbeing.

The matter attracted attention following Barcelona’s 5-2 victory over Real Betis at Estadio de La Cartuja. Bad weather made it impossible for the team to fly back to Barcelona that evening, forcing the club to reconsider its travel plans.

According to the report, Barcelona’s captains preferred waiting at the airport until conditions improved. Flick, however, opted against that arrangement and instructed the entire squad to spend the night at a hotel in Seville. The players eventually returned to Barcelona the following day before travelling to Paris two days later for their Champions League meeting with Paris Saint-Germain.

Barcelona subsequently lost consecutive matches against PSG and Real Madrid. Following those results, Flick admitted that his players had not been sufficiently fresh to deliver their best performances, bringing renewed attention to the importance of recovery within the squad.

The German coach has introduced several measures aimed at improving players’ rest and preparation. One of his appointments was sleep consultant Anna West, who reportedly supervises different aspects of their sleeping conditions. Her responsibilities include monitoring bedroom temperatures, bedding, screen exposure and individual sleeping patterns.

Nevertheless, some players reportedly question whether hotel arrangements always provide the most suitable environment for recovery. They believe that spending evenings with their families and sleeping in their own beds could help them feel more relaxed and better prepared for matches.

This disagreement also has historical significance at Barcelona. Former captains Carles Puyol and Xavi Hernandez previously raised concerns about certain overnight hotel stays, reportedly asking the club to reduce arrangements they considered unnecessary. Former managers Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique eventually showed some flexibility in response to similar requests.

Flick has maintained a more demanding approach, placing considerable emphasis on discipline, preparation and carefully managed recovery schedules. However, the reported concerns suggest that some members of the dressing room would welcome greater flexibility.

With Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid among Barcelona’s approaching opponents, the manager faces the task of balancing his preferred methods with the players’ wishes. Finding an arrangement that supports recovery while maintaining squad harmony could become an important consideration as Barcelona seek more consistent performances.