Scrutiny on Flick rises as Barca seek recovery

Since Hansi Flick joined Barcelona during the summer of 2024, events have unfolded more positively than he could have anticipated, at least up until the previous week.

Breathing new life into the Catalan powerhouse and motivating them to secure a domestic treble in the prior season, along with guiding them to the Champions League semi finals for the first time in half a decade, marked a remarkable achievement.

This season has proven more challenging, partly owing to issues with injuries, yet Barca remained competitive until back to back losses drained their confidence as the crucial phase of the campaign nears.

Barca will welcome Levante to Camp Nou on Sunday in La Liga, aiming to regain momentum and possibly regain the lead from competitors Real Madrid, who travel to face Osasuna on Saturday.

Los Blancos gained a two point advantage over Barca last weekend and maintained it after Flicks team suffered a 2 1 loss to local rivals Girona on Monday.

This came shortly after a 4 0 thrashing by Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi final, which could be regarded as Barcas poorest showing since Flicks appointment.

Barca raised concerns over refereeing errors in both matches, and while the referees technical committee later acknowledged some errors, it fails to excuse the Blaugranas two concerning outings.

We are not feeling positive, nor are we in a strong position, conceded Flick.

I granted the squad two days of rest, as I believe it is vital for them to regroup.

The manager indicated that his team, hoping to see creative midfielder Pedri Gonzalez return from injury against Levante, might be fatigued but also requires greater determination.

Such errors might relate to fatigue or lack of sharpness, but ultimately we must possess the drive to secure victories, stated Flick.

Upon their return, I expect a renewed mindset, elevated intensity, and for them to train and compete accordingly.

Under Flick, Barca have adopted an aggressive offensive approach with a forward pressing line, resulting in numerous goal filled encounters.

Nevertheless, the injuries sustained this term, possibly linked to the physical toll of Flicks pressing requirements, have led to reduced creativity and poorer finishing efficiency.

Their primary forwards, Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, are struggling in 2026.

The backline remains vulnerable as before, and without Pedri who has sat out eight of the previous 14 league fixtures, midfield dominance has eluded them.

Flicks latest remarks on refusing to alter tactics irrespective of the opposition facing Barca raise red flags.

I am unconcerned whether they deploy five defenders or boast a speedy forward. We possess the talent, and that is what I demand to witness, Flick commented last week, though latest outcomes imply he may need to adapt more dynamically.

Facing Atletico, the speed of wingers Ademola Lookman and Giuliano Simeone exposed Barcas rearguard severely.

While Barca are clear frontrunners against 19th placed Levante, the subsequent three matches, ahead of the Champions League round of 16, will be pivotal in halting any further decline.

They will entertain in form Villarreal next, followed by the Copa semi final return leg versus Atletico and a demanding trip to San Mames against Athletic Bilbao.

Player to watch: Isi Palazon

Rayo Vallecano attacker Palazon shone during the 3 0 triumph over Atletico Madrid last weekend, despite not scoring. He aims to sustain that form as the Madrid outfit travels to Real Betis on Saturday, seeking an upset and distance from the relegation zone.

Key stats

3 Penalties missed each in La Liga by Barcelona and Valencia this season.

6 Headers scored by Real Mallorca striker Vedat Muriqi.

9 Real Madrid matches since Alvaro Arbeloa's arrival, and the team have scored in each of them.

Fixtures

Friday (all times GMT)

Athletic Bilbao v Elche (2000)

Saturday

Real Sociedad v Real Oviedo (1300), Real Betis v Rayo Vallecano (1515), Osasuna v Real Madrid (1730), Atletico Madrid v Espanyol (2000)

Sunday

Getafe v Sevilla (1300), Barcelona v Levante (1515), Celta Vigo v Mallorca (1730), Villarreal v Valencia (2000)

Monday

Alaves v Girona (2000)