Barcelona coach, HansiFlick, has once again mentioned the supposed lack of “freshness” as the cause of the negative results that the club has suffered in recent matches. In his statements, Flick does not clarify whether this lack is due to the players, the tactics he uses or a combination of both factors, but suggests that the lack of physical and mental energy is affecting the team's ability to execute its orders on the field.
This criticism has become more evident after Barça's defeat against Inter in the Champions League final on May 6, 2025. Raphinha's goal in the 87th minute left the team at a disadvantage, and the final ten minutes became a test of endurance. Inter took advantage of the lack of freshness to score two more goals, leaving Barcelona with an overloaded defense and open spaces that the team could not cover. The same pattern was repeated in Atlético's elimination from the Champions League and the Cup, where Barça lost both games, including a resounding 4‑0 in the first leg, with “schoolyard” goals and expulsions of key players such as Cubarsí and Eric.
In the match against Real Madrid, Barça achieved a draw that many considered acceptable, but the lack of freshness manifested itself when the team gave up space behind the goal, allowing the rival to take advantage of a counterattack in the 87th minute and repeat the same story. Likewise, in the match against PSG, Barça conceded two goals in five minutes after tying the score with a goal from Lamine in the 80th minute, which showed the team's inability to maintain possession and defense in critical moments.
Critics point to Flick's lack of a clear strategy as the root of these problems. The lack of freshness seems to begin in tactical planning, with an approach that fails to adapt to changes in pace and the physical demands of high-level matches. Barcelona, who have shown dominant possession on several occasions, have failed to convert that advantage into positive results when the pressure mounts.
The team's future will depend on Flick's ability to adjust his approach and regain the necessary energy in decisive moments. Fans and analysts expect the coach to implement tactical changes that allow Barcelona to maintain freshness and defensive discipline, especially in Champions League and Spanish League matches. The next phase of the club will be crucial to determine if the lost “freshness” can be recovered and if Barça will be able to compete at the highest level again.