Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has introduced significant changes to his side’s training and travel routines ahead of crucial fixtures.
The Catalans are in the middle of an exceptionally demanding schedule involving three consecutive away matches.
According to SPORT, the German coach and his staff have adopted an alternative preparation plan to minimise fatigue, with recovery taking priority over traditional training sessions.
Barça are set to face Real Betis later today before travelling to the French capital to take on PSG in the Champions League.
Barcelona forced to abandon their usual training routine
The adjustments began following Barcelona’s Champions League trip to Istanbul, where they defeated Galatasaray 4-1.
Due to the lengthy return journey from Turkey, the squad travelled back on Wednesday without completing a regular training session that day.
Players had completed only light gym work before leaving Istanbul. Thursday’s session was also relatively short, with the starters focusing on physical recovery.
Hansi Flick has made changes to Barcelona’s pre-match preparation plans. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
On Friday, Flick scheduled an afternoon training session before the squad travelled directly to Seville for Saturday’s La Liga encounter with Real Betis.
Consequently, Barcelona have gone more than a week without a full, high-intensity training session.
A similar approach is expected ahead of the upcoming Champions League meeting with PSG.
Flick introduces special matchday arrangements
Barcelona also adjusted their usual travel arrangements, flying to Seville on Friday afternoon.
The decision allowed the squad to spend the night in Seville, maintain their regular sleeping patterns and avoid unnecessary fatigue on matchday.
The players are staying at the Eurostars Torre Sevilla hotel, where the club have reserved an exclusive floor.
Instead of holding a conventional morning training session, Flick’s staff have organised individual and group activation exercises inside the hotel.
Barcelona have important matches ahead of them. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
These include stretching, preventive strength work, physiotherapy and massages, depending on each player’s physical condition.
The squad will then have lunch, rest and travel to La Cartuja ahead of the 6.30pm kick-off.
A crucial test of Barcelona’s physical management
Barcelona significantly revamped their physical department in the summer to place greater emphasis on player recovery.
Flick’s decision reflects the challenges posed by Barcelona’s demanding style of play.
The team’s aggressive pressing, constant movement and high defensive line require exceptional physical coordination.
When fatigue accumulates, even small reductions in pressing intensity can leave defenders exposed to dangerous counter-attacks.
With the PSG game and El Clasico approaching, Barça cannot afford to exhaust their key players.
It is a calculated decision by Flick, and the upcoming matches will offer insight into how it affects the squad.
For Flick, the priority is keeping Barça fresh enough to maintain their intensity when it matters most. It remains to be seen how things pan out.