Player complaints and internal staff tensions have fueled an injury crisis at Barcelona, challenging new coach Hansi Flick and his revamped fitness department.
According to a report from The Athletic, Barcelona is grappling with an escalating internal crisis as injuries continue to ravage the squad while disagreements emerge over the handling of those injuries.
Key players — including Lamine Yamal, Gavi, Pedri, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and others — have spent considerable time on the sidelines.
Management and medical staff are reportedly at odds over treatment plans, with some players voicing frustration that their concerns are not being fully addressed.
The Athletic’s sources claim that the coaching staff, led by Hansi Flick, is “baffled” by the scale of the breakdowns, especially given that preventive work that previously delivered results seems to be failing this season.
There is a growing belief within the club that the issue goes deeper than just physical fatigue: several first-team players have reportedly complained they are not getting enough strength training in the gym, instead being pushed back into group sessions too early.
The situation has also aggravated tensions between Barcelona and the Spanish national team. According to reports, Yamal underwent an “invasive radiofrequency procedure” to treat groin discomfort — but the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) said it was only informed late, prompting its decision to release him from its recent squad call-up.
At club level, the finger of blame is pointing at Julio Tous, head of physical conditioning, and Raúl Martínez, head of physiotherapy.
Some within Barcelona say that the preventive regime that worked so well last season “is failing in every way,” and Flick is said to be demanding “urgent solutions” to stem the wave of injuries.