Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has moved to resolve any controversy surrounding their handling of player fitness, following a spate of injuries to the first team. The German manager complained after Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde were hit by problems for Atletico Madrid, just days after Frenkie de Jong suffered a similar problem.
Flick noted that he will be ‘talking to fitness trainers’ on Tuesday night in an attempt to get to the root of the problem. In the following days, a report appeared in the Catalan media that the Barcelona team expressed concern about their fitness program at the beginning of the season. Flick was asked about the matter before facing the Athletic Club.
“It’s something we have to manage, it’s normal when there are many games. Finally, we have high-quality players from La Masia and we have experience with them. We have to control their work, maybe other players will play tomorrow.”
Flick was asked if their comeback attempt against Atletico came at a cost, but the Barcelona boss blamed their injuries.
“No, this is happening. I’m not happy with this injury situation. We need to see what needs to be improved. It’s always my responsibility. It’s not the doctors or the physios, it’s my responsibility. If something happens, I talk to everyone about it so we can improve the future and prevent it from happening again.”
“This is managing a team, sometimes you make mistakes, sometimes it’s like that.
🚨 Pau Cubarsí: “We played an amazing game against Atlético Madrid. We were on the verge of reaching the Copa del Rey final. Maybe that goal in the first leg would have helped us.” [via @sport] 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/qi7EUYazIl
– barcacentre (@barcacentre) March 6, 2026
Pedri and Gavi fitness updates
There was some concern about Pedri Gonzalez’s condition after the game against Atletico. The Canary Islander was making his debut after missing a month due to injury, he played the entire 90 minutes, but stood out in the final.
“He can play but we will see that there are many games in the coming weeks, we have to handle it well, even if we have to see how it is managed.”
One of the players who could give Pedri a break is Gavi. The 21-year-old is training with the rest of the team, but is yet to return from injury.
“He will go with the team but he hasn’t joined the team yet, he has taken another step forward and maybe after the trip he can come back soon.”
Flick is happy about Lewandowski
Barcelona will bring back Robert Lewandowski from injury against Athletic, after he missed their Copa del Rey match. The Polish veteran has a broken eye socket, but will wear a protective mask going forward. Flick dodged a question about his future this season.
“We have a big goal this season, as we will get two titles, and we are focused on that. We will see what happens after that. We are very happy with Robert; he can play tomorrow. We will see what happens. He is very good; he can score 20, 25, or 30 goals without a problem.”
Casado can fill in the back
With Barcelona plagued by injuries at the back, Flick was asked about his options. Marc Casado could be a short-term option at right back in Flick’s mind.
“He can play as a 6 or an 8, but also as a 2. He is a smart, very intelligent player and I am happy to have him.”
This week Barca Atletic players Patricio Pacifico, Alvaro Cortes and Xavi Espart have all trained with the first team, and will be in contention for a place in the squad this weekend. Flick even compared Espart to Philipp Lahm.
