According to a report by Barca Universal on Monday October 26, 2026, Hansi Flick has identified physical fatigue as a major factor behind Barcelona’s 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the first El Clasico of the 2026/27 season.

The German manager admitted his players lacked their usual sharpness, while defensive injuries and a demanding schedule have complicated preparations for upcoming fixtures.

The defeat marked Barcelona’s first loss in ten La Liga matches and their second setback within a week. Flick acknowledged Madrid’s improvement but insisted his team must recover quickly and respond positively before the international break.

“We weren’t fresh. We have to recover, concentrate, and react,” Flick admitted after the match. He also stressed the importance of regaining the physical condition Barcelona demonstrated earlier in the campaign.

The manager felt his team improved after the interval and managed to restore parity. However, their attacking approach eventually left them vulnerable to a counterattack that produced Madrid’s winning goal.

Flick accepted responsibility for the disappointing result and refused to use fatigue as an excuse. He acknowledged that Barcelona had suffered two defeats in one week and emphasised the need for an honest assessment of their performances.

Barcelona's busy schedule has also contributed to the challenges facing the squad. Several players are expected to attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London before returning to training. Flick plans to give his players time to rest before resuming preparations on Wednesday.

The manager also expressed concern about defensive injuries involving Xavi Espart, Dani Olmo and Eric Garcia. With limited options available, he suggested promoting additional players from La Masia to strengthen the squad.

Flick remains hopeful that Andreas Christensen and Eric Garcia will return soon to ease the defensive shortage. He also explained that Frenkie de Jong's introduction against Madrid followed encouraging training performances and the midfielder's ability to provide fresh energy.

Barcelona must now regain their fitness and confidence ahead of their next fixtures. Flick has made it clear that securing victories before the international break remains a priority for his struggling side.