La Liga 2025-26: Flick demands more ‘fight’ from Barcelona amid injury crisis

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick called on his players on Saturday to show more fight as the club faces an injury crisis and struggles to reach the top level.

The Catalan giants drew 3-3 with Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday and are five points behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid before facing Celta Vigo on Sunday.

After winning a domestic treble last season, Barca have struggled for consistency in Flick’s second term as they try to cope with several absences.

Balaidos will face the likes of Raphinha, Pedri, Joan Garcia and Gavi, while Flick said Jules Kounde was also doubtful for the match.

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«It’s not an excuse, it’s a fact: we have a lot of injured players. They are big players, some of our most important players,» Flick told a news conference.

«I know, we all know, the players know that we have to play much better. The most important thing is that everyone comes back, after two or three games they are at a good level and can help us a lot. This might be another starting point.»

«Until then, and tomorrow’s match is like that, we have to fight. On Wednesday we couldn’t see the fight we needed. Hopefully we’ll see it tomorrow.»

Celta Vigo has won its last five games in all competitions and is in “good spirits,” according to Flick.

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal was back to his best against Bruges and the coach said he had stepped up his work to recover from a nagging groin problem.

“He’s changed his discipline, it’s much better now, he’s training really well,” Flick said.

The 18-year-old has been called up by Spain for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers and the coach asked his national teammate Luis de la Fuente to look after Yamal.

In September, Yamal aggravated his groin problem while with Spain, and was dismissed from the squad for matches in October due to the same problem.

«He’s coming back to the best level, but it’s not over yet. We have to take care of this injury, not only us, but also the national team,» Flick added.

Published on November 8, 2025