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According to a report by Barca Universal on Saturday October 17, 2026, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has made unusual changes to the team’s training and travel arrangements as the Catalans prepare for three consecutive away matches.
According to reports, the German coach is prioritising recovery over intense training sessions to keep his players fresh for their upcoming encounters against Real Betis, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
Barcelona’s revised preparations began after their 4-1 Champions League victory over Galatasaray in Istanbul. The lengthy journey back from Turkey prevented the squad from completing a normal training session on Wednesday. Instead, the players participated in light gym exercises before travelling home.
Thursday’s session was also shortened, with those who featured against Galatasaray concentrating primarily on physical recovery. Flick subsequently scheduled an afternoon training session on Friday before the team travelled to Seville for their La Liga meeting with Real Betis. Consequently, Barcelona have gone more than a week without a full, high-intensity training session.
The club has also modified its matchday arrangements to reduce fatigue. The squad travelled to Seville on Friday afternoon and stayed overnight at the Eurostars Torre Sevilla hotel, where an entire floor was reserved for the team.
Rather than organising a conventional morning training session, Flick’s staff arranged individual and group activation exercises at the hotel. These activities include stretching, preventive strength exercises, physiotherapy and massages, depending on each player’s physical condition. The squad will then have lunch and rest before travelling to La Cartuja for the 6:30 pm kick-off.
Barcelona recently revamped their physical department to place greater emphasis on recovery. The adjustment is particularly important given Flick’s demanding tactical approach, which relies on aggressive pressing, constant movement and a high defensive line.
With PSG and El Clasico approaching, Barcelona must manage their players’ fitness carefully. Fatigue could reduce their pressing intensity and leave the defence vulnerable to counter-attacks. Flick’s strategy will therefore be crucial in determining whether his squad can maintain its intensity throughout this demanding run of fixtures.