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According to a report by Barca Universal on Wednesday October 28, 2026, former Barcelona and Real Madrid player Bernd Schuster has identified Barcelona’s defence as the major weakness Hansi Flick must address if the Catalan giants are to win the Champions League this season.
Barcelona have suffered back-to-back defeats against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, raising concerns about their defensive performances and their ability to compete against Europe’s strongest teams.
Despite the disappointing results, Schuster believes Barcelona have the quality to win the Champions League but insists that improvements are needed at the back.
“I see Barça ready to win the Champions League this season. It is the great goal and I would be happy for the whole club and for Flick, because they have built something very important in recent years,” he said, speaking to SPORT.
The former midfielder praised Barcelona’s attacking strength, describing it as a “machine”, but warned that their offensive approach often leaves them vulnerable to conceding goals.
“Because of their offensive style, they usually concede two or more goals,” he said. “The attack is a machine, but against the big rivals, like Bayern or Paris Saint-Germain, you can’t always score so many goals.”
Schuster’s comments come after Barcelona struggled to contain their opponents in recent matches. Their defeats to PSG and Real Madrid have highlighted the importance of finding a better balance between their attacking ambitions and defensive responsibilities.
However, the former player also praised Flick for the changes he has introduced since taking charge at Barcelona, particularly the team’s work rate and discipline.
“It’s a blessing for the club,” Schuster said.“Now all the players run to get the ball back, even Lamine Yamal.”
He also contrasted Flick’s approach with that of former Barcelona manager Xavi, pointing to improvements in the team’s physical preparation and intensity.
“With Flick, there is German discipline and you really sweat again, both on the field and in the gym,” he added.