Hansi Flick tells Barcelona stars to feel ‘responsible’ for the dip

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick told his team they must feel responsibility after two damaging defeats ahead of Sunday’s match against Levante in La Liga.

The Catalan giants are strengthened by the returns of Pedri Gonzalez and Marcus Rashford from injury as they look to beat Real Madrid in the Spanish title race.

After losing 4-0 to Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final last week, Barcelona suffered a 2-1 defeat to Girona on Monday to give Los Blancos a two-point lead at the top.

«I think everyone is convinced of what we are doing. Of course, that is not easy at these times,» Flick told reporters on Saturday.

«For me, communication is always important. We were very honest and also very open; I don’t just tell them what to do, I also want to ask them. This is how I manage the team.»

«It’s important because we need leaders on the field; they have to be able to say something. That’s how communication works, at the same eye level.»

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«Ultimately I have to decide things; that’s my job, but I want the players to feel responsible for this situation, and I think they do.»

Rashford returns after a two-week absence with a knee problem, while key playmaker Pedri will miss a month due to a hamstring injury.

“The positive thing is that Rashford is back, and Pedri is back,” Flick said.

«Maybe Pedri can play a few minutes. The most important thing is that he trains, with his quality.»

«He is an important player for us. He is a different kind of leader because of his quality.»

“He can also be one of these leaders for the future of this club.”

Flick also confirmed that 21-year-old midfielder Gavi is back in training after undergoing knee surgery in September 2025.

Real Madrid visits Osasuna on Saturday, aiming to extend their lead over Barca before Levante visits Camp Nou.

Published on February 21, 2026