Hansi Flick expecting Barcelona response against Levante – “The players are fresher”

Barcelona will attempt to halt a two-match slide when they welcome Levante to Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday, and head coach Hansi Flick is convinced the squad has emerged from a bruising week re-energised and ready to reclaim lost momentum. Back-to-back defeats to Atlético Madrid and Girona have nudged the Blaugrana below Real Madrid in the Liga title race, but Flick believes the brief mid-week breather has provided exactly the reset his side required.

“After two defeats and showing that we have not offered the best level, it has been very good to have two days off,” the German told Marca. “Now the players are fresher and this is important. We play at home and we have to win, take the three points. We want to regain confidence.”

Flick, who has guided Barcelona to four trophies from the five contested so far, dismissed suggestions that the recent poor run has eroded belief in his tactical blueprint. “I see the team convinced of our style and style of play,” he insisted. “I’ve spoken to many players and they’re all 100 percent convinced. Everyone is convinced about what we are doing.”

The coach revealed that Thursday’s hour-long squad meeting centred on defensive lapses and the need to rediscover the club’s trademark dynamism. “We have received many chances from the opponents and we have talked about what we have to do to improve and return to our best level,” he explained. “There has been an open debate. I wanted to set the record straight.”

Leadership questions were also addressed. While Flick conceded that a single on-field reference point may be absent, he placed responsibility across the entire group. “It is everyone’s job to help them grow at all times,” he said. “When players give 100 percent, the quality is tremendous.”

On the injury front, Flick welcomed the return of Marcus Rashford and Pedri, while Gavi continues to edge closer to full fitness. “We turned the page on both games, but we have to improve,” he concluded. “I’m one hundred percent convinced of my team and looking forward to the next games.”

Barcelona, now third and two points adrift of Madrid, know anything less than victory against struggling Levante will intensify pressure ahead of a congested run of fixtures.