Three things Flick and Barcelona need to get things back on track after El Clasico

Barcelona’s struggles continue to mount as the month of October proves to be one of their toughest stretches yet.

What began with a narrow 1-2 loss against Paris Saint-Germain soon spiralled into a painful 1-4 defeat to Sevilla.

While brief victories over Girona and Olympiacos brought a glimmer of hope, the recent El Clásico loss to Real Madrid once again laid bare the team’s deep-rooted weaknesses.

With 10 crucial fixtures remaining before the end of the year, Barcelona have two major objectives in sight – securing direct qualification for the Champions League Round of 16 and keeping pace with Real Madrid in the La Liga title race.

However, achieving both will demand serious improvement from Hansi Flick’s men, starting with the most urgent issue – defensive solidity.

Barcelona need the defensive stability. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Barcelona’s defensive fragility has become a worrying pattern. The team has failed to keep a clean sheet since their 3-0 win over Getafe on September 22. In the seven matches that followed, they conceded 12 goals.

Across all competitions this season, they have managed only three clean sheets in 13 games, an alarming statistic for a team with such high standards.

Last season, the Blaugrana’s aggressive high-line pressing was their strength. This season, though, opponents have found ways to exploit it.

That approach has repeatedly left their goalkeeper exposed to one-on-one situations.

Fixing this is not going to be easy, especially since this Barcelona squad does not have someone like Inigo Martinez.

Barcelona really need Raphinha back. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Equally concerning is the absence of Raphinha , whose relentless energy and pressing style bring balance and creativity to the team.

His ability to retain composure on the ball gives Barcelona a sense of control few others can replicate.

Unfortunately, his prolonged injury has deprived Flick of that spark, leaving the right flank noticeably weaker.

Without him, Barça appear less dynamic. Of course, injuries are never an excuse, but his absence has highlighted how vital his energy and tempo are to maintaining Barcelona’s trademark attacking rhythm.

Another crucial piece of the puzzle is young sensation Lamine Yamal . His subdued performance in El Clasico raised concerns about his ongoing groin problem .

Lamine Yamal is not fully fit. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Observers noted that he was far from his usual explosive best, and it is clear that his persisting groin injury is preventing him from performing at his optimal level, which, currently, is a cause for concern.

The priority now is his full recovery, even if it means a month away from action.

For what it is worth, Barcelona really need to prioritise his return to complete fitness and not the short-term results.

When Lamine returns to full fitness and Raphinha is back in the mix, Barcelona’s attack will regain its sharpness.

Combined with Flick’s defensive corrections, the Catalans can still turn this difficult season around – but time is no longer on their side.